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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Key to Character 



OR 



EVERYBODY THEIR OWN DETECTIYE 



BY 

PROF. W. SEYMOUR, 

Author of " Key to Phrenology," " Psychology or Mesmerism Ex- 
plained," "Memory and its Improvements," "The Miracles 
of Christ and their Relation to Natural Laws," 
"Unseen Forces," "What is True 
Manhood," Etc., Etc. 









PHILADELPHIA, F»A. 2^f 3 '^ 
1894. 



"BFS5 




J. L. TRAUGER, 

PRINTER, 

COLUMBUS, O. 



Copyrighted May, 1894. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



-i INTRODUCTION.^- 



WITH truthfulness equal to its importance it has been 
said, "The proper study of mankind is man," and 
viewed from almost any standpoint, man cannot 
fail to become an interesting study. 

If we view him from an anatomical or a physiological 
standpoint, and contemplate the veins and arteries, the 
tubes and canals, the rivers that flow within from the great 
fountain of life, the whole securely fenced with bone and 
sinew, beautifully clothed with flesh and covered with a 
porous skin, the whole system in an erect position and a 
countenance beaming with all the various emotions of the 
inner man ; we cannot fail to be impressed with the com- 
plicated construction and wonderful adaptation of parts. 

When from a psychological and a phrenological stand- 
point we contemplate the powers of mind by which he is 
enabled to soar beyond the atmosphere, and measuring the 
distance from star to star, the rapidity of motion with 
which the planets travel in their orbits, or determine with 
scientific accuracy an eclipse and other phenomena in the 
Sidereal Heavens; now bending in humble submission or 
sympathetically weeping 'neath the force of circumstances, 
then rising in all grandeur and majesty of soul, as if bid- 



iv Introduction. 

ding defiance to the force of circumstances, controlling 
wind and waves and making the very elements of storm 
subservient to his will; we learn that amid all the subjects 
that astound the human mind and overpower its faculties 
none other equals in importance, sublimity or interest, that 
of the diversified parts and characteristics of a human 
being. 

And with a desire that I may assist in the great task 
of simplifying this study, and realizing the. importance of 
a lower priced volume in a more condensed form than any 
of the standard works upon the subject, I have been 
prompted to offer this volume to the public. 



TABLE OK CONTENTS. 



PAGES 

Introduction. — Mankind as a complicated piece of 
machinery, an important study. 

Classification OF THE Human Race. — National 
Types. Illustrations: Authority, Sensuality, As- 
tonishment, Impudence, Inquisitiveness, Gossip, 
Attention, Curiosity 1-9 

Palmistry or Hand Reading. — Line of Life, Line 
of the Head, Line of the Heart, Line of Apollo, 
Mounds, Cross Lines, Angles, Fingers. Finger 
Nails, Elementary Hand, Philosophic Hand, 
Spatula Shaped Hand, Square Hand, Pointed 
Hand, Psychic Hand, Mixed Hand, Modes of 
Shaking Hands 10-28 

Physiognomic ae Expressions of Character. — 
Illustrations: Meditation, Spirituality, Affection, 
Domestic, Sensitive, Sanguine, Desponding, Path 
of Virtue, Path of Vice 28-31 

Modes of Walking. — The Firm Step, The Bent 
Form, The Step of Pride, The Slovenly Step, 
The Sexual Step, The Generous Step, The Selfish 
Step, The Approbative Step, A Shoemaker's way 
of telling when men walk well, Reading Charac- 
ter from the Shape of the Feet 32-39 

Grades of Character. — Intelligent Type, Observ- 
ing Type, Aspiring Type, Philosophic Type, The 
I uobserving Type, non-Comprehensive Type, 
The Awkward Type, Heroic Type, Self-sacrificing 
Type, Submissive Type, Severe Type, Sympa- 
thetic Type, Emotional Type, Charitable Type, 
Affectionate Type, Consoling Type, Business 
Tpye, Overseers, Financiers, Buyers, Salesmen . . 40-70 



vi Tabic of Contents. 

PAGES 

The Chin. — Square Chin, Retreating Chin, Pointed 

Chin, Dimpled Chin, Protruding Chin 71-73 

The Mouth. — The Lips, Horeshoe Mouth, Small 

Mouth, Square Mouth, The Ears ' 73-75 

The Nose. — Illustrations: Acquisitive Nose, Com- 
bative Nose, Melancholy Nose, Sensuous Nose, 
Defensive Nose, Consumptive Nose, Intelligent 
Nose 76-80 

The Byes. — Large Eyes, Small Eyes, Blue Eyes, 
Brown Eyes, Black Eyes, Hazel Eyes, Gray Eyes. 
Correspondence of the different color eyes, with 
the shades of morning, noon and night. ., 80-90 

Comparative Physiognomy. — The animal with the 
human. Illustrations: The Goose, The Hog, 
The Donkey, The Bear, The Lion, The Fox, The 
Dog 91-94 

The Eyebrows. — Arched Eyebrows, Horizontal Eye- 
brows, Arched and Horizontal combined, etc., etc. 95-96 

The Forehead. — Retreating Foreheads, Square 
Foreheads, Wrinkled Foreheads, Concaved and 
Smooth Foreheads, Knotty Foreheads 96-99 

To Business Men. — How to select help success- 
fully. The Accountant, The Buyer, The Sales- 
man, The Manager, The Mechanic, etc 100-105 

How To SELECT a Husband or a Wife. — Court- 
ship and marriage is governed by cause and effect. 
Marriages that are the most harmonious are gov- 
erned by love. Love is brought about by harmony 
in the nature of those who are united in the bonds 
of matrimony. A plea for the consideration of 
harmony in those who would unite in matrimony. 
Humanity should marry upon the highest plane 
of their development. Mankind should seek in 
marriage to improve the race, physically, intel- 
lectually and morally. Physiognomical signs to 
be observed 106-122 



. Table of Co?itents. vii 

PAGES 

Organic Quality.— Illustrations: Harmonious Qual- 
ity, High Organic Quality, Low Organic Quality, 
Scrofulous Type, Consumptive Type, Healthy 
Type, Poor Digestion 123-124 

Physiognomical Signs of Disease. — Healthy Type, 

Scrofulous Type, Tuberculous Type . . 125-130 

Heai/Th. — How to improve the Health, the Diges- 
tion, How to improve the Lungs 131-132 

Classification of Temperaments. — Motive Tem- 
perament, Vital Temperament, Mental Tempera- 
ment, Mental Motive, Motive Mental, Vital Men- 
tal, Mental Vital, Motive Vital, Vital Motive 133-140 



PHYSIOGNOMY 



3T is an apparent fact in human experi- 
ence that the masses of mankind more 
readily grasp information presented in 
object lessons, than that which requires a 
great deal of abstract reasoning. It is this 
fact, in conjunction with the request of hun- 
dreds of my patrons who have become in- 
terested in my public work as a Phrenolo- 
gist and Psychologist, that has led me to 
more fully consider the subject of Physi- 
ognomy ; for in presenting this subject to the 
public, I am fully aware that there are many 
diversions which (often arising from the decep- 
tions practiced by designing minds) seem to 
be contrary to almost any rule which may be 
offered as a standard for reading character ob- 
jectively, yet while there may be objections 
offered, there certainly is to be found in the 
physiognomical appearances and conduct of 
mankind a sufficient variety of expression and 
corresponding disposition which may be laid 
down as a general index to man's moral char- 



2 Seymour s Key to Character. 

acter; which, if understood by the masses of 
mankind, might be used as a prevention of 
many of the evils which now afflict our race. 

That there is a diversity of likeness and 
proportionately of disposition existing among 
different people in different countries, commu- 
nities, and ofttimes even in the same family, no 
sane person will attempt to deny. On general 
principles, what a striking contrast do we find 
between the graceful forms and beautiful fig- 
ures of Greece, and the protruding lips, re- 
treating forehead, advancing jaws and flat 
nosed African. As Mr. Lawrence has re- 
marked, "Compare the ruddy and sanguine 
European with the jet-black African, the red 
man of America, the yellow Mongolian, or the 
brown South Sea Islander; the gigantic Pata- 
gonian to the dwarfish Laplander; the highly 
civilized nations of Europe, so conspicuous in 
arts, science, literature, in all that can strengthen 
and adorn society, or exalt and dignify human 
nature, to a troop of naked, shivering, arid 
starved New Hollanders, a horde of filthy 
Hottentots, or the whole of the more or less 
barbarous tribes that cover nearly the entire 
continent of Africa ; and although we must 
refer them all to the same species, they differ 



Seymour s Key to Character. 3 

so remarkably from each other as to admit of 
being classed into a certain number of great 
varieties." 

Blumenback has classified the human race 
into five varieties, viz. "the Caucasian, Ethio- 
pian, Mongolian, American and Malay." 




FIG 1. CAUCASIAN. 



First: The Caucasian is characterized 
by the development of the head, which, when 
viewed from the front, has an almost oval ap- 
pearance. The development of such foreheads 
stamps mankind with the impression of intel- 
igence and civilization. The contrast existingl 
between the development of the front head in 
this and other races, together with the mani- 



4 Seymour s Key to Character. 

festations of the intelligence, justifies us in the 
opinion that the front head is the seat of rea- 
son. So true is this position, that those who 
disregard and even deny the technicalities of 
Phrenology, are willing to admit the truth, that 
the oval shaped forehead is a physiognomical 
indication of intelligence. Their predominant 
Temperament is the mental or nervous. 




FIG. 2. ETHIOPIAN. 



FIG. 3. MONGOLIAN. 



Second : The Ethiopian, of whom the 
Negro is a sample, is quite a contrast from 
that of the Caucasian ; the skull is smaller, 
the forehead retreating, the lower part of the 
face or cheek is projecting and the nose fiat; 



Seymour 's Key to Character, 5 

indicating as a race more of brutality and less 
of intelligence. Their predominant Tempera- 
ment is the Vital. 

Third: The Mongolian, of whom the 
Chinese represents the largest family, is char- 
acterized by their small, oblique eyes, square, 
fiat face, broad cheek bones, straight black hair 




FIG 4 AMERICAN. 



and scanty beard. The Vital and Motive Tem- 
peraments seem almost evenly blended in this 
race, and to triumph over the Mental. 



6 Seymour s Key to Character. 

Fourth : The, Americans (which we call 
the Indians) have a narrow, low forehead, 
deeply sunken eyes, high cheek bones, usually 
thin lips and stiff black and straight hair. This 
race have a strong development of the Motive 
Temperament. 




Fifth : The Malays are characterized by 
their low, round forehead, the nose is full and 
broad, the nostrils wide and the mouth large. 
They have what may be termed the Vital- 
Motive Temperament, the Vital Temperament 
being more strongly marked than the Motive, 
but not equal to that of the Ethiopian. 



Seynfour s Key to Character. 7 

To each of these varieties we may deter- 
mine a number of others ; between the Ger- 
man and the Frenchman, the Irishman and the 
Englishman, the Scotchman and the Jew : yea, 
not only between different nationalities, but 
even in the same family we often find a variety 
of likeness and also a corresponding variety of 
dispositions. And as it is a fact, that where 
we find this variety of likeness between differ- 
ent people, we also find a diversity of character, 
is it not reasonable to suppose that somewhere 
in the law of correspondence there exists be- 
tween these physiognomical appearances and 
the manifest dispositions of character or mental 
traits, the principles of cause and effect. 

If this be true, then is it not rational to 
suppose that by careful study of the physiog- 
nomical signs we may very closely determine 
the dispositions and natural tendencies of 
mind, and if this can be done on general prin- 
ciples, and the various physiognomical signs 
and traits of character by which we are enabled 
to determine the different races of mankind, are 
governed by cause and effect ; by a closer ob- 
servation of the diversity of likeness, the char- 
acteristics of the individual may also be deter- 
mined. And as we find in different races of 



8 Seymour s Key to Character. 

mankind a uniform correspondence between 
the dispositions of mind and their general 
make-up ; not only in the face, but also in the 
hands, feet, walk and every motion of the body, 
it is my intention to consider as fully as space 
will allow the relation which exists between 
these various physiognomical signs and the 
disposition or mental traits of character which 
underlie them. 

In the first place I shall consider the phys- 
iognomical signs of the Hand as given by dif- 
ferent authors. 





AUTHORITY. 



SENSUALITY, 



PHYSIOGNOMICAL EXPRESSIONS OF CHARACTER. 



PHYSIOGNOMICAL EXPRESSIONS OF CHARACTER. 





ASTONISHMENT. 



IMPUDENCE. 





INQUISITIVENESS. 





ATTENTION. 




FIG. 6. 



PALMISTRY OR H«ND READING. 



Palmistry is one of the methods by which 
it is said to be possible to read the past and 
iuture from the lines in the palm of the hand. 
And although there may be many errors incul- 
cated in this method of character reading, there 
certainly is a planetary influence which more or 
less affects the lives of all mankind and if these 
lines bear any relation to the influence of the 
planets it is an important stud)'. 

LINE OF LIFE. 

The "line of life", for instance, as shown 
in diagram, is the crease running around the 
base of the thumb. If it.be distinctly marked 
and of definite color, life is predicted as long 
and prosperous ; but if it be pale, broad, and 
indefinite, life will be full of unhappiness. 

LINE OF THE HEAD. 

The direction and appearance of the line 
of the head bears a relation to the mental 
attributes. If the line be strongly marked, 



12 Seymour s Key to Character, 

long and definite, there is much strength of 
character ; but if the line is wanting, or incom- 
plete, there is weakness of character and vacil- 
lation, and the mind has but little control over 
the passions and appetites. 

LINE OF THE HEART. 

If the "line of the heart" be distinct and 
fully traced, the one on whose hand it is found 
is full ol affection, and will be true to fr.ends. 
The line called saturn or fate, when clear and 
distinct, and with few, if any, breaks is consid- 
ered a sure index of the person being- fortunate 
in most undertakings. The hepatic line is that 
of the liver, and by its degree of completeness 
the state of the health is judged. 

If it proceeds from the wrist straight to 
the mound of Mercury and is clearly defined it 
indicates sound health ; but if it presents an 
irregular appearance it shows a tendency to 
biliousness. 

LINE OF APOLLO. 

In eastern Asia this line development is 
watched with much solicitude as the youth ad- 
vances in years, and if well defined at maturity, 
there is great rejoicing over the good fortune 
which it is supposed to indicate. 



Seymours Key to Character. 13 

The ring- of Venus is said to be an evil 
line which forms an arc of a circle between 
the first and fourth fingers, when strongly 
marked it manifests great sensuality ; when 
double licentiousness. 

The appearance of the lines at the wrist 
are also said to be an indication by which the 
length and success of life are foretold. The 
triple bracelet, or one having three distinct 
marks, means a long and happy life. 

mounds. 

At the root of each finger elevations, more 
or less distinct, are seen, to which the names 
mound of Jupiter, mound of Saturn, mound 
of Apolio, mound of Mercury are applied. 

At the root of the thumb is usually a well 
marked elevation which is named mound of 
Venus. The first or index finger is said to be 
under the influence of Jupiter, the king of the 
pagan deities ; because from analogy it con- 
tains the indices of domination and command, 
and the elevation is therefore called the mound 
of Jupiter, which, when large, is said to indi- 
cate ambition and love of display. The mid- 
dle finger is placed under the dominion of 



1 4 Seymour s Key to Character. 

Saturn, the supposed executive of destiny or 
fatality. 

The third or ring finger is presided over 
by Apollo, and is, regarded as especially de- 
voted to the artistic, the beautiful. The little 
finger claims Mercury as its patron, the grace- 
ful, wing-footed messenger of the gods. The 
elevation, more or less conspicuous, about mid- 
way between the wrist and the root of the little 
finger, is dedicated to Mars, the heathen god 
of war; when large, it shows courage, force 
resistance ; very large, it indicates rudeness, 
violence, and cruelty ; want of development 
indicates puerility and cowardice. The outer 
lowest portion of the palm is presided over by 
the moon, the type of caprice. 

A state of full development indicates a 
strong imagination, chastity, love of mystery, 
of quiet, loneliness, and meditation. Weak 
development of this part manifests poverty of 
imagination and a tendency to the matter-of- 
fact in thought and statement. 

Prominence in the region which is regarded 
sacred to Venus, marks a love of beauty in 
form, of melody in music, of graceful move- 
ment, and the desire to afford pleasure through 



Seymour s Key to Character. 15 

love and kindness. If deficiency exist here, 
these qualities will be lacking ; but if the lower 
part of this mound be more prominent than 
the upper, there is an inclination to sensuality. 

Another writer upon these mounds has de- 
termined their developments as follows: "The 
swelled muscles or mounds" in the hand indi- 
cate, according to which of them predominate 
the ruling planets. 

The sons of Jupiter (that is persons who 
have the mound large) are strong, easy, jovial, 
frank, fond of display, but his step-children are 
dissipated, vindictive, and quarrelsome. The 
Saturnians are long, thin, pale, gloom)', grum- 
bling. Another class of them are greedy, idle 
hungry, sharpers. The children of the Sun 
are endowed with beauty and grandeur of soul, 
cheerful but wise. His less favored offspring 
are small, vain, boasting. The men born under 
the influence of Mercury are slim, wiry, active, 
boyish, animated, clever, and skillful. The 
sons of Mars are large, strong-built, red-faced, 
bold, reckless, great eaters and drinkers, 
fighters, politicians. They may also be burg- 
lars, garroters, thieves, brawlers and dema- 
gogues. The descendants of the Moon are 
changeable, capricious, reckless, cold, indolent, 



1 6 Seymour s Key to Character. 

untruthful, mystical rather than religious, and 
full of curiosity. The children of Venus are 
fond of gay clothing, love pleasure, and are 
amiable, affectionate, and compassionate." Al- 
though these mounds may indicate character, 
(and from careful observation I am led to con- 
clude that there is a great deal of truth in the 
signs as laid down in the foregoing statement,) 
yet we should never forget that the tempera- 
ments, health and phrenological development 
have much to do with the manifestations of 
character even in those whose natural tenden- 
cies are such as are described by those who 
have made these signs a study. Hence where 
the temperaments correspond with the develop- 
ment of the mounds and the development of 
reason is also in harmony with the same (and 
this will invariably be found where education 
has not interfered) the physiognomical signs 
will be found to be a true index of character, 
and even where education has touched the 
character of the individual with its moralizing 
and refining pencil, the planetary influence 
upon character is so strong that under extra- 
ordinary circumstances its manifestations are 
very apparent. 



Seymours Key to Character. ly 

CROSS LINES. 

Beside these signs already given there are 
many other cross lines which are observed by 
the palmists and astrologists. 

These cross lines are generally considered 
unfavorable, as for instance a cross line on the 
mound of Jupiter shows a tendency to mysti- 
cism, pride, and self-will ; on Saturn, misfor- 
tune ; on Apollo, vanity and folly ; on Mercury, 
a lying and thievish disposition ; on Mars, im- 
pulse, the probability of sudden death, and a 
combative nature. 

THE ANGLES. 

The triangle formed by the junction or 
intersection of the line of the head, the line of 
life, and the hepatic line, are very significant. 
The angle at the vertex of this triangle, formed 
by the junction of the lines of the head and 
life, when sharp and well marked, indicates 
a good disposition and much elevation of char- 
acter; when obtuse, it indicates dullness of 
intellect. The angle at the base, formed by 
the hepatic line and the line of life, if well and 
clearly formed, is the index of sound health 
and amiability. Should it be obtuse or with a 
large opening, the indication is the reverse. 



1 8 Seymour s Key to Character. 

The remaining angle, formed by the 
hepatic line and the extremity of the line of 
the head, near the bottom of the mound of 
Mars, when well formed and of good color, a 
long life, with intelligence and good nature. 
If it be very acute, it betokens a malicious 
disposition. If obtuse, a sluggish nature and 
infidelity. 

If the triangle itself be large, it shows a 
generous nature, largeness of mind, and noble- 
ness of character. It it be small, it evinces 
littleness of mind and spirit. 

A palm which exhibits many lines is the 
index of an anxious and disturbed mental life. 

THE FINGERS. 

The person whose fingers tend to bend 
backward, through suppleness and elasticity, 
is endowed with sagacity, curiosity and address. 
Fingers short and thick indicate severity. Fin- 
gers long and straggling are those of the 
intriguing and impostors, cheats and sharpers. 
Persons with very smooth, transparent fingers 
are curious and indiscreet. If the fingers are 
smooth and conical it is a sign of talkativeness 
and levity of mind. The musical mind is 
accompanied by long, well-formed fingers. If 



Seymour \s Key to Character. 19 

the fingers lie perfectly parallel, so that when 
held together no light can be seen between 
them, it is a sign of avarice. Strong and knotty 
fingers mean prudence and capacity. 

FINGER NAILS. 

Pale or lead color nails indicate melan- 
choly people. Broad nails indicate a gentle, 
timid and bashful nature. Lovers of knowl- 
edge and liberal sentiments have round nails. 
People with narrow nails are ambitious and 
quarrelsome. Small nails indicate obstinacy 
and conceit. People with very pale nails are 
subject to much infirmity of the flesh. 



TYPES OF THE HAJSlD 



Another Palmist, writing upon the physi- 
ognomy of the hand, has remarked that "there 
are seven types and that each type shows the 
personal character of the owner." 

He claims that these types have technical 
names, which he calls : first, the elementary or 
lowest type ; second, the knotty or philosophic ; 
third, the spatula ; fourth, the square ; fifth, the 
pointed ; sixth, the psychic ; seventh, the mixed. 



20 Seymour s Key to Character. 

And according to my observations in the 
study of character-reading, the description 
which he has given of the characteristics ot 
these types is very fairly founded upon truth. 

THE ELEMENTARY HAND, 

he claims, "is broad, with short, stubby, thick, 
and awkward fingers, heavy palm, and a thumb 
reaching generally to the root of the first 
finger." 

This hand is said to merely indicate ani- 
mal life, such as is found in the low caste Hindoo 
and the lower order of humanity. It is also 
claimed that a man possessing such a hand 
would be one of brutal passions and coarse 
ideas, quite capable of committing a murder 
by violence, but ordinarily cowardly both in 
thought and action. A woman with such a 
hand would have a similarly brutal, passionate 
nature, intense vulgarity and little or no control 
over herself. Stupidity, except a certain kind 
of low cunning, would be a sure attribute of 
character in both. 

Now while I regard the foregoing descrip- 
tion of the hand as being correct in the main, 
and that such hands indicate such propensities 
as have been described, yet there are other 



Seymour s Key to Character. 2 1 

modifying signs which we must consider, or 
we shall be apt to make serious mistakes in 
character reading. For while the heavy palm 
and short, thick, stubby fingers indicate a 
predominance of the vital temperament which 
is the seat of passion and the selfish element 
in the nature of man, which when uncontrolled 
renders him but little above the brute, and 
perverted (by his cunning) sinks him below; 
by education and refinement these same pas- 
sions may be transformed into feelings of sym- 
pathy, tenderness and affection for others. So 
that the physiognomical signs in this as in all 
other shapes of the hand, face or any other 
part of the body merely indicate the ground- 
work of our feelings, the force or power of 
character, and must be regarded as mere guide- 
posts to the possibilities and liabilities of char- 
acter under certain influences. Where we find 
such physiognomical signs or shaped hands, 
although there may be a modifying influence 
brought to bear upon the feelings or passions 
by a good development of the Mental Tem- 
perament, there is always a liability of such 
persons going to extremes in the indulgence 
of their propensities. 



22 Seymour s Key to Character. 

THE PHILOSOPHIC HAND. 

Second, we have what is termed the philo- 
sophic hand. This hand is thin and bony with 
large knotty joints. People with this shaped 
hand are said to be extremely original. Form- 
ing new ideas and maintaining such peculiar 
views from what is held by the masses of man- 
kind that they are regarded as cranks. Such 
persons usually live in advance of their time. 
They rarely make any great success in life be- 
cause they are more theoretical than practical. 
The hand, though thin and bony, is not always 
long and slender. The indications of charac- 
ter, which have been described consist more 
in the irregularity and knotty joints than in 
any other sign. 

THE SPATULA SHAPED HAND. 

Third comes what is termed the spatula 
hand which is said to be the hand of the suc- 
cessful man or woman. " The palms are broad 
with rather long fingers and resemble in shape 
a spatula at the ends." Persons possessing 
such shaped hands are naturally active, ener- 
getic in business, delight in opposing obstacles 
and usually manifest a good degree of com- 



Seymour s Key to Charactei . 23 

bative spirit. They seem to make the most 
out of every opportunity. They are often 
rather impulsive, quick-tempered and are natu- 
rally frank in the expression of their senti- 
ments ; they are often found to be among the 
leaders in society where active, executive ability 
is required. 

THE SQUARE HANI). 

Fourth comes the square hand ; it is also 
a hand with long fingers, square at the ends, 
with a broad palm. Where the length of the 
fingers equals or supersedes the length of the 
palm, there is usually found in its possessor a 
great deal of logic and exactness of reason as 
well as firmness or stability of character. 

Where the fingers are square and stubby 
or shorter than the length of the palm, there 
is likely to be manifested a great deal of 
mulishness. Persons having the square type 
of hand usually make good Scientists, Judges, 
Lawyers, Physicians and Teachers. 

THE POINTED HAND. 

Fifth, the pointed or artistic hand is also 
broad at the palm with fingers tapering toward 
the points or ends. Persons with such hands 



24 Seymour s Key to Character: 

lack firmness, they are emotional and impul- 
sive. They seldom stop to reason, they work 
and act by instinct or inspiration rather than 
from reason. They make good Musicians, 
Actors and Writers. They live more in the 
ideal world than in the practical. They are 
lovers of the beautiful in Nature and Art. 

THE PSYCHIC HAND. 

Sixth, the psychic has a long, slender 
palm, with fine, long, delicate and pointed 
fingers. It is said to be the most beautiful 
hand of all the sculptor's ideal, but it is usually 
a useless hand, incapable of attainment and 
expressing comparatively nothing. Persons 
possessing the psychic type are said to be 
usually selfish, yet too much swayed by im- 
pulse for any practical purpose in life. They 
are what I term altogether too etherial and 
imaginative for the practical purpose of life. 
They may sometimes show some artistic tastes 
and tendencies, but their lack of purpose and 
persistencies prevents them from, being suc- 
cessful. 

THE MIXED HAND. 

Seventh, this is said to be the most inter- 
esting of all hands. It is said to be the hand 



Seymour s Key to Character. 25 

generally possessed by the most brilliant, and 
means great versatility, owing to the fact that 
its owner possesses the combined qualities of 
the other six types, yet such people not infre- 
quently are found to be a puzzle to their friends. 
They are usually found to be an inconsistent 
medley ; demonstrating great brilliancy of con- 
ception, depth of thought, intensity of interest 
in the paths of virtue and righteousness, while 
at other times they are found doing the most 
inconsistent things imaginable. At one period 
we find them industrious, at another indolent;, 
and at one time thrifty and saving, almost 
penurious and miserly, at another extravagant 
and luxurious ; at one time sanguine and hope- 
ful almost beyond measure, then despondent 
almost to despair. 

In what is termed the mixed type of hand 
are usually one or two fingers very pointed, 
while the others are square. In such cases it 
has been remarked that usually the. first and 
last fingers are pointed ; such a combination is 
said to denote clearness and brilliancy of speech 
with ofttimes but little logic ; where the knotty 
joints accompany this variety there is apt to- 
be manifested great brilliancy of speech with 
logic of argument ; when there is plumpness of 



26 Seymours Key to Character.' 

form, or what may be termed a good develop- 
ment of the Vital Temperament, manifested in 
the general make up of the owner of such 
hands, there will be manifested a good degree 
of sympathy for the welfare of humanity at 
one time and a great deal of selfishness at 
others, according to the influence brought to 
bear upon their conduct. Such persons are 
liable to be made either very good or very bad 
according to their environments. 

In calling further attention to the hand we 
might observe the different 

MODES OF SHAKING HANDS. 

There is a great deal of character dis- 
played in the manner of shaking hands ; some 
persons take hold of the hand of another with 
a firm grasp and hang on as though they were 
going to say all they had to say before they 
would let go ; others take hold with an equal 
grip but almost momentarily let go again ; 
others seem to offer their hand very sparingly, 
ofttimes merely touching yours with the tips ol 
their fingers and with a gentle shake withdraw 
them closely to their body or place them in 
their pockets, muff, or cover them with their 
garments. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



27 



Each mode of operating is indicative of 
character. 





FIG. 8 



The firm grasp of the hand and hearty 
shake indicates large benevolence, a generous 
nature and a true heart, especially where the 
grasp is quite lasting. 




FIG 9. 




FIG. 10 



Where persons take hold oi your hand 
with a firm grasp, then almost momentarily 
withdraw theirs from you, it indicates a warm 
heart but an impulsive nature ; such persons 
are quick to make friends, but their friendship 
is not always lasting. 

Where the pressure of the hand is very 
light and quickly withdrawn, it indicates a sel- 
fish and cunning nature. 



28 



Seymour s Key to Character 




FIG. 11. 



FIG. 12. 



Where the tips of the fingers only are 
given with a light pressure and a courteous 
bend of the whole body, it indicates a proud 
spirit and considerable affectation. 





MEDITATION. 



SPIRITUALITY. 



PHYSIOGNOMICAL EXPRESSIONS OF CHARACTER: 



PHYSIOGNOMICAL EXPRESSIONS OF CHARACTER. 




A f 







DESPONDING. 



30 Seymour s Key to Character. 

THE PATH OF VIRTUE 






In the above cuts we see resembled the 
effects of a life of sobriety and virtue. As 
virtue has its reward in the happiness which 
it brings humanity, so does it stamp its image 
upon the countenance. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 
THE PATH OF VICE. 



3i 






The above cuts show the downward course of sin, 
together with its blighting and ruinous effects. No page 
in this work should convey a more important lesson than 
this one. Let the youth contrast this with the opposite 
page and ask themselves the question, Which shall be our 
journey and end of life. 



JVIODES OF WflliKlHG 



Perhaps in no outward sign is there more 
of true character displayed than in our modes 
of walking. What a variety of motion do we 
behold ! And as the motions of the body are 
a true response to the conditions of the mind, 
where shall we go to get a more direct expres- 
sion of man's true inwardness, than in the 
manner in which men and women carry them- 
selves in their modes of locomotion. 

Here we have the firm and steady step, 
the quick and slow, the long and short, the 
regular and irregular. 

The forward motion, the side motion, the 
bended form, the straight form, the swinging 
arms, the open and the closed hands, exposed 
and concealed, with many other varieties of 
expression too numerous to mention : all ol 
which are never-failing signs of the character 
and disposition of the men and women we 
meet in life. 



Seymour s Key to Character, $5 

THE FIRM, STEADY STEP. 

The firm, steady step indicates decision 
of character. The short, quick and irregular 
step is an indication of impulse and a some- 
what fluctuating disposition. The long, quick 
step, with a forward spring, indicates an active, 
pushing character. 

Where the step is slow and it seems as 
though the feet are loath to leave the ground, 
it indicates a lack of push and want of energy. 

THE BENT FORM. 

Where the body (though not deformed) is 
inclined to bend forward and the eyes drop 
toward the ground, it denotes thoughtfulness 
in persons with a well-balanced head ; but if 
.this be noticed in a person whose forehead is 
retreating, it denotes secrecy and cunningness. 

THE STEP OF PRIDE. 

If a person carries the head high, the neck 
bent backward rather than forward, especially 
where the eyebrows are arched, the chin 
.pointed or projecting, and the mouth round, 
it is a sign of self-conceit and vain pride. 



34 Seymour s Key to Character, 



THE SLOVENLY STEP. 



If you see a person with a rolling motion 
in their walk, it denotes a lack of order and a 
somewhat slovenly nature. 



THE SEXUAL STEP. 



The very short, quick step, with a forward 
side-action, implies a good degree of combat- 
iveness, self-conceit and amativeness, as indi- 
cated in the rooster. 



THE GENEROUS STEP. . 

If you see a person with open hands and 
their arms swinging when walking, you can 
rest assured that you will find in that person a 
straight-forward, honest and generous nature. 

THE SELFISH STEP. 

If you see a man when walking with his 
hands invariably in his pockets and his steps 
light and measured, somewhat "cat like", or 
his fists closed and his coat buttoned up tight, 
or a woman with her hands in her muff or 
under her shawl, or her shawl or dress closed 
tight around her neck in warm weather, and 
their shoulders kind of shrugged together, you 



Seymour s Key to Character. 35 

can mark it down as a sign of large secretive- 
ness and a selfish disposition. 

THE APPROBATIVE STEP. 

If, when walking, a person is known to 
always carry their head back and inclined to 
lean a little to one side, it is an indication of 
large approbation, an over-anxious disposition 
to shine in society, and to win the good opinion 
of others. It indicates great love of praise. 

a shoemaker's way oe telling when men 
walk well. 

A shoemaker says: "As soon as a man 
comes into my shop and takes off his shoes, I 
can tell whether or not he is a good walker, 
and it is astonishing to find how few men know 
the proper way to step out. If the shoes are 
worn down at the heel, not on the side, but 
straight back, and the leather of the sole shows 
signs of weakness at the ball of the foot, a 
little greater on the inside just below the base 
of the great toe, I know that the wearer is a 
good walker. 

" If, however, the heel is turned on one side, 
or is worn evenly throughout, and the sole is 
worn most near the toe, I know that I have to 



2)6 Seymour s Key to Character, 

deal with a poor pedestrian. The reason of 
the difference in position of the worn spots lies 
in the fact that the poor walker walks from his 
knee and the good one from his hip. 

"Watch the passer-by on the street and 
you will at once see the difference. Nine men 
out of ten will bend the knee very considerable 
in walking, stepping straight out with both hips 
on the same line, and the toe will be the first 
to strike the ground. The tenth man will bend 
his knee very little, just enough to clear the 
ground, and will swing the leg from the hip, 
very much as the arm is swung from the shoul- 
der, and not from the elbow. By so doing he 
calls upon the muscles that are strongest to 
bear the strain, and increases the length of his 
stride four or six inches. The heel touches 
the ground first and not the toe. A slight 
spring is given from the ball of the foot on 
making another stride. 

"Men that walk in this fashion cover the 
ground thirty per cent, faster with the same 
exertion than those that walk from the knee. 
In pugilism the old rule is to strike from the 
shoulder and not from the elbow. In pedestri- 
anism it is to walk from the hip and not from 
the knee." 



Seymour s Key to Character, $j 

I give the above quotation here because I 
consider the proper and proportionate exercise 
of every muscle of the body to be conducive 
to health and happiness. 

HOW YOU CAN READ CHARACTER FROM THE 
SHAPE AND CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR FEET. 

" The art of describing character by means 
of the line, shape and peculiarities of the foot 
is the very latest way of amusing yourself and 
your friends. One can quite easily read the 
language of one's own pedal extremities, as 
the lines are neither numerous nor complicated. 

"A narrow foot and high instep indicate a 
nervous, passionate nature ; a wide space be- 
tween the first and second toe tells of a gener- 
ous, unselfish disposition. If your second and 
third or fourth toes are grown together by a 
little web, you may feel much satisfaction in 
the superiority it indicates, for it means that 
you can always rise above reverses and troubles, 
that you have the ability to conquer circum- 
stances, to shape events and surroundings in 
accordance with your wish. Is your second 
toe longer than your great toe ? Then you 
are of a commanding disposition. If your 
large toe is straight and plump and holds 



38 Seymour 's Key to Character. 

itself up when you straighten your foot out, 
then you are bound to have ill luck. You are 
one of those people who act from impulse, who 
go off at all sorts of unexpected tangents, and 
who, in addition, do not have the good fortune 
that sometimes rewards such dashing persons. 
The flat great toe means caution and prudence, 
a slow-going disposition and a bull dog capacity 
for holding onto a thing until success is con- 
quered. If you have that sort of great toe 
your friends need have no anxiety about you. 
You will be the tortoise in whatever race you 
undertake, but you will get there just the 
same. 

"Now look at your little toe. If it is slender 
and shapely, you are not proud ; you are ami- 
able and have many friends. 

" Is this toe bunching and clubbed looking? 
Then your disposition is haughty and revenge- 
ful ; you have the pride of Lucifer and the 
nerve and grit of an old soldier; you could 
suffer tortures and give no sign, if you made 
up your mind to do so. But you need to be 
watchful of yourself, for with this disposition 
there is indicated, too, a violent temper that 
may get you into trouble if it is not kept well 
in hand. 



Seymour s Key to Cha7-acter. 39 

' 'Now bend the toes of your right foot 
downward. Is there a sort of little cup, or 
series of cups, formed in the ball of the foot? 
That is the cup of happiness which life is going 
to fill for you. The deeper it is, the more 
happiness there will be, and if there are sev- 
eral of them, that means that there is going to 
fall to your share an unusual amount of happi- 
ness, for the cups are all to be filled. When 
the cups are very shallow, happiness may come, 
but you will not be able to keep it. 

''The principal line in the foot is that of 
love, and means that you are of a tender and 
loving disposition. The lines that cluster about 
this, cross or are merged in it, number the friends 
whose love will stay with you for many years, 
but if they are outnumbered by the lines that 
almost touch the line of love, just falling short 
of reaching it, then much sorrow is your fate, 
for they tell of dear ones whom death or the 
changes of life take from us." 

Next to types of character indicated in 
the shapes of the hand, the modes of shaking 
hands, and the manner of walking, we will 
consider some of the facial types. 



GRADES OF CHA$ACTEl*. 



In the countenance we have what may be 
termed the Intelligent, the Stupid, the Heroic, 
the Submissive, the Severe and the Sympathetic. 




FIG. 14. Grades of Intellect. 



These six types may be used to represent 
the entire human family. In the first place we 
shall consider what may be termed 



THE INTELLIGENT TYPE. 



There are various expressions of the in- 
telligent type. There is what may be termed 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



41 



the Observing, the Aspiring and the Philo- 
sophic. 

First: The Observing Type. These may 
be determined especially by the development 
of the front and lower part of the forehead, 
which is always prominent. The forehead may 




FIG. 15. Sir J. A. McDonald. 



or may not stand up square and high, but 
those faculties located just over the eyes which 
we call the perceptives are always well de- 
veloped, giving a fullness and prominence to 



42 Seymour s Key to Character. 

the expression of the eyebrows. If the fore- 
head is somewhat pointed toward the center 
and is fuller and stands out farther just over 
the nose than at the outer corner of the eyes, 
it renders a person inquisitive and imparts a 
disposition to get information. If the forehead 
is well developed just over the outer corner of 
the eyes, giving the eyebrows from the root of 
the nose to the extreme outer corner a kind of 
square appearance, it renders a person sys- 
tematic and orderly. 

Such persons are likely to become some- 
what methodical, and if the upper sidehead is 
well developed they will be apt to become very 
much, annoyed by any want of adherence to 
their methodical habits. As a rule successful 
business men, generals, governors and man- 
agers of every kind are men who are well de- 
veloped at the base of the forehead. 

What is true of man in this respect is also 
true of women. A woman having a good de- 
velopment of the perceptive region usually 
makes a good governess, good house-keeper, 
or an overseer in business. 

Second : The Aspiring Type. These may- 
be determined by a good development of the 
•observing faculties (as above described) com- 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



43 



birring with a good development of the upper 
sidehead. Such heads are wide and high above 
the ears. Persons of this class have a high 
sense of morality, a love for the beautiful, fine 




FIG. 16. Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 



artistic tastes, and a keen sense of propriety 
in conduct and manners. They make success- 
ful Poets, Artists and Playwriters. The chin 
is usually pointed, which, contrasting with the 
breadth of the tophead, gives the countenance 
a somewhat oval appearance. The texture of 



44 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



the skin and hair is usually fine, and the cor- 
ners of the mouth turn upward. 



THE PHILOSOPHIC TYPE. 



The Philosophic Type may be determined 
by their broad, square and high forehead stand- 
ing up almost perpendicular from the root of 




FIG. 17. Benj. FRANKUir 



the nose to where the head begins to turn at 
the top. If the head is very high in front, a 
person is likely to be a good judge of human 
nature and will be apt to form a correct estimate 
of character. If in an ordinary size head, the 



Seymour s Key to Character, 45 

forehead stands up square and broad to about 
two and a half inches high with a fullness in 
the center, there will be manifested great rea- 
soning power ; such persons will be found to 
be very logical, very apt at illustrations ; they 
seem to have, and demand, a cause for every 
effect. They are likely to become Naturalists 
and Scientists. Lawyers, Editors, Teachers 
and Statesmen should have a combination of 
this and the two former types. 

THE STUPID TYPE. 

In the stupid types we have the Unobserv- 
ing, the non- Comprehensive and the Awkward. 

THE UNOBSERVING TYPE. 

The unobserving type are persons who 
are deficient in the perceptive region. Their 
foreheads just over the eyes are but feebly 
developed; the forehead is so deficient that 
the back part of the eye is almost at a level 
with the front part of the eyebrows. Another 
sign of this type of humanity (who are what 
may be termed partially imbeciles) is the 
smoothness, as well as the flatness of the fore- 
head, just above the root of the nose. An- 
other physiognomical sign is the length of the 



4 6 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



nose and the upper lip ; if from the inner cor- 
ner of the eye to the center of the nostril the 
distance is shorter than from the corner of the 





FIG. 19. Unobserving Type. 



FIG. 18. Non-Observing Type. 



mouth to the bottom of the nostril, it is a sure 
sign 'of stupidity. (See fig. 21.) The latter 
sign will apply both to the unobserving and 
non-comprehensive types. Such persons are 
easily imposed upon ; as a rule are very credu- 
lous, and for want of what may be termed 
practical common sense are ever ready to be- 
lieve and follow their leaders. 



THE NON-COMPREHENSIVE TYPES. 

Such persons are to be recognized by a 
lack of what may be termed the reflective and 
constructive region. They may have a good 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



47 



development of what is termed observation, 
the forehead is well developed in the lower 
part just over the nose, but they are deficient 
in the development of the upper portion of 
the forehead, also in the side head in front of 




FIG. 20. Non-Comprehensive Type. 




FIG. 21. Awkward Type 



the ears ; hence, while they seem to see every- 
thing and have great powers of retention, they 
are deficient in the ability to classify what they 
observe and to trace the connection between 
cause and effect. Hence they seem to be ever 
doomed to make mistakes and misunderstand 
the true meaning of what they see or what 
they may be told. 



THE AWKWARD TYPE, 



The awkward type may be regarded as a 
combination of the two former. There is the 



4 8 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



flat, low forehead ; the long upper lip ; the 
short, flat, turned-up nose, somewhat in shape 
like that of the hog. The chin is projecting, 
and the general contour of the head and face, 
from the chin to the top of the back head, has 
a retreating appearance. 

THE HEROIC TYPE. 

The heroic type may be classified as the 
ambitious and the self-sacrificing. 




FIG. 22. Duke of We 



The ambitious type seem to be a class of 
people whose deeds of valor are prompted by 



Seymour s Key to Character. 49 

a desire for fame. They demonstrate a great 
deal of courage and daring in times of danger. 
They are bold in the defense of home and 
country, and are never known to shrink from 
duty in the hour of trial. Such persons are 
wide at the base of the brain, which gives them 
a great deal of executive force. They are also 
well developed at the back head, which renders 
them patriotic. They are also well developed 
at the side and top of the back head, which 
stamps them with integrity and a sense of 
justice. 

The combination of the side head around 
and above the ears (which is said to be the 
seat of courage) and the top back head (which 
is said to be the seat of approbation and self- 
esteem) works together for the accomplishment 
of their purpose and renders them ambitious to 
shine. 

Such persons usually have what is termed 
the combative and executive nose. The nose 
is wide in the center, with a kind of bulge on 
the top, rendering it what we call a prominent 
nose. It is usually of more than ordinary 
length. The upper lip is set firm upon the 
jaw. The chin is broad and prominent, and 
the mouth square. 



5° 



Seymour s Key to Character, 



They also have a good development of 
the Motive Temperament, which enables them 
to endure hardship and imparts to their nature 
a great deal of muscular force. This Motive 
Temperament manifests itself in prominent 
features, high cheek bones, dense form and 
a compact frame of body in general. 

THE SELF-SACRIFICING TYPE 

are persons whose heroic deeds are done upon 
the principle laid down in the gospel, "Let not 




FIG. 23. Mrs. Marion Harlan, Authoress. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 51 

thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth/' 
Women seem to demonstrate this type oftener 
than men. One of our Poets has expressed 
the true sentiment of this class in the following 
lines: 

THE BRAVEST OF BATTLES. 

The bravest battle that ever was fought, 
Shall I tell you where, and when? 

On the maps of the world you'll find it not: 
'Twas fought by the mothers of men. 

Nay, not with cannon or battle shot, 

With sword or nobler pen; 
Nay, not with eloquent word or thought 

From the mouth of wonderful men. 

But deep in a walled-up woman's heart — 

Of woman that would not yield, 
But bravely, silently bore her part — 

Lo! there is the battle-field. 

No marshaling troop, no bivouac song, 

No banner to gleam and wave! 
But oh, these battles! they last so long — 

From the babyhood to the grave! 

— Anon. 

The physiognomical signs of such charac- 
ters are first, the head is high on the top in 
front of the ears ; they have a thick upper lip, 
a large eye, soft and tender, yet a bright ex- 
pression ; the ears have a heavy lobe at the 



52 Seymour s Key to Character, 

bottom ; the head is broad and high at the top 
and back, and as a rule they have more of the 
Vital than of the Motive Temperament. The 
back, top, and side head stamps them with 
stability of character ; the base of the back 
head behind the ears with affection, and the 
front top head with benevolence and sympathy. 

THE SUBMISSIVE TYPE 

are persons with a small retreating chin, a nar- 
row head between and around the ears, the top 
back head is low and sloping, and the whole 
head is inclined to bend forward. The mouth 
is usually open when they are listening to a 
conversation or examining anything, and both 
the upper and lower lips project away from 
the teeth. They are what may be termed the 
slaves to society. 

THE SEVERE TYPE. 

These are persons whom we usually call 
dogmatic. They have large Combativeness, 
Firmness, Self-Esteem, Approbation and Ex- 
ecutiveness, (or what has been termed De- 
structiveness.) 

The Righteousness of their conduct will 
depend upon the development of their reason 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



53 



and conscientiousness. The physiognomical 
signs of such characters depicted in the coun- 
tenance, are very similar to those described in 
the Ambitious Hero, except that in addition to 
the upper lip being set close upon the teeth, 




FIG. 25. Severe Type. 



both lips are very thin. The eyes are usually 
small; the chin is usually square and somewhat 
projecting; the fingers are long and slender. 

If the base of the side head is wide around 
the ears, their severity will be apt to manifest 
itself in dealing with persons from a mercenary 
standpoint, in business relations. If the head 
is also wide at the back and top, they will be 
very severe in their reproofs and punishment 



54 Seymour s Key to Character. 

of what they consider to be wrong doing from 
a moral standpoint ; but being rather deficient 
in the development of the front head (which 
fact only could allow them to be severe), their 
reproofs and punishments are as apt to be un- 
just as just. It was this type who have dotted 
the pages of history with the stains of cruelty 
in the name of religion and who to-day believe 
that physical punishment is the only road to 
true morality. 

THE SYMPATHETIC TYPE. 

There seem to be a great many grades of 
this type, and it may almost be considered a 
conglomeration of all the other five. It may 
be said of every type, there are times when ex- 
pressions of sympathy are called forth, but in 
speaking of the sympathetic types we mean 
those persons whose sympathetic nature seems 
to be the predominant feature in their char- 
acter. 

There seem to be three distinct classes 
of sympathetics, which may be termed the 
emotional, the charitable, and the affectionate. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



55 



THE EMOTIONAL TYPE. 



Persons of this class are what may be 
termed the sentimentalists, being carried away 
by the sublime in Nature and Art. 




FIG. 26- Fanny Davenport. 



Poetry, music, pathos, romance, or any- 
thing majestic, fills their souls with ecstasy and 
joy. The physiognomical signs, as indicated 
in the shapes of the face and head of such per- 
sons, are arched eyebrows, large eyes with a 



56 Seymour s Key to Character. 

soft expression, a wide top head, especially in 
front, with rather a long, Grecian-shaped nose, 
and a countenance tapering toward the chin. 
Such persons make the best poets, artists f 
actors and descriptive writers. They seem to 
throw their whole soul into whatever they 
undertake to do, and are very apt to exag- 
gerate their surroundings or go to extremes in 
feeling and acting. They live more in the 
ideal world than in what is termed the prac- 
tical. They are the class of persons who are 
apt to indulge in ideas and philosophies which 
the generality of mankind regard as mere 
sophistry. 

THE CHARITABLE TYPE. 

This is another class of sympathetics, 
whose sympathy is called out whenever they 
are brought in contact with what they regard 
as suffering, and as there are many different 
kinds of suffering to which humanity is sub- 
jected, so are there many channels through 
which this class of sympathetics may be 
reached, and the manifestations of charity will 
differ according to the make-up ot the indi- 
vidual. If the head is wide at the base, just 
in a line with the center, and right behind the 



Seymour s Key to Character 



57 



ear, there will exist in the nature of the indi- 
vidual great love of life; and if in conjunction 
with this, the head is narrow just over the top 
and back part of the ears, and large at the 
back part of the top side of head, there will 




FIG. 27. Mrs. E. C. Stanton, Advocate of Woman's Rights. 

be a shrinking from danger. Such persons 
will manifest a great deal of sympathy in the 
relief of suffering inflicted upon the physical 
constitution, and they shrink from inflicting 
pain. Such persons are likely to make ten 
der nurses and indulgent parents ; they become 



58 Seymour s Key to Character. 

interested in building hospitals for the sick, and 
soup houses for the poor, etc. 

It is largely to this class of people we 
are indebted for the abolishment of physical 
slavery. The physiognomical signs of such 
characters, depicted in the countenance, are : 
a large eye, a thick upper lip, the corners of 
the mouth are inclined to turn up, the face is 
round, and there is a general expression of 
tenderness depicted in the entire make-up of 
such characters. 

But to the charitable class there may still 
be added those whose sympathies are not so 
marked in times of physical suffering, but 
rather shows itself in their breadth of senti- 
ment and their desire for universal mental 
liberty and freedom from the bondage of intel- 
lectual slavery. This class of individuals are 
wide at the top and side of head, as described 
in the emotional type, with a controlling devel- 
opment of the reasoning faculties. 

Their heads stand up square and broad in 
front, high at the top and full at the base, while 
their sympathies and charity may be enlisted 
toward building hospitals for the sick and in 
the relief of physical suffering. Their greatest 
ambition and chief delight consists in building 



Seymour s Key to Character. 59 

school houses, churches, places of education, 
and in breaking down everything that they 
may consider has a tendency to dwarf the 
intellect, blight the morals and impede the 
progress of intellectual civilization. 

Where the intellectual faculties or the 
front head is larger in proportion than the top, 
leaving the center of the top head rather flat, 
their charity will partake of a humanitarian 
character, and their philosophies pertain to the 
advancement of the intellect, to building school- 
houses rather than churches ; where the top 
head is rounded up from front to back, and 
wide at the sides near the center of the top, 
there is likely to be more faith than reason, 
and the charity of such individuals is likely to 
manifest itself in establishing or the support 
of churches or sectarian institutions. Thus we 
see that, public and private institutions, the 
school-house and the church, each represent 
that diversity of sentiment which we find in 
the sympathetic nature of mankind, governed 
and controlled by the development of man's 
emotional sentiments and intellectual faculties. 
And so long as the emotional nature in man- 
kind controls the intellectual, so long shall we 
be controlled by the narrow limits of sectarian 



60 Seymour s Key to Character, 

principles ; but whenever the intellectual facul- 
ties or the front head triumphs over the side 
and top, the boundary line which now divides 
the human family into classes and sects will be 
broken down, and the reason of man recogniz- 
ing- in the human family one common brother- 
hood, the sympathy of the world will be ex- 
tended equally to every individual, without 
respect to class, color, caste or clime. 

THE AFFECTIONATE TYPE. 

This type may be divided under two gen- 
eral heads, the Confiding and the Consoling, 
Although it may appear at first that this class 
closely resemble the Sympathetic, there is a 
vast distinction between the two ; the sympa- 
thetic type (which we have just described) we 
discover to be a class of people whose sympa- 
thies are called out to relieve suffering,, and 
although there are times when such persons 
may enter into personal combat with the same, 
it more frequently occurs that the sympathies 
of such persons are demonstrated through other 
instrumentalities than their own individual 
efforts; but what we term the "Affectionate 
Type" are those who demonstrate their emo- 
tions by personal application : those loving, 



Seymour s Key to Character . 6 1 

trusting souls who stick fast amid all changes 
of time and circumstances, whose friendship 
and whose love, like the deep waters of the 
ocean and the Mowing tide, never dries up, and 
is ever faithful. 




FIG. 28. Princess of Wales 



The confiding type are those whose natures 
lead them to believe in the honesty and integ- 
rity of our race ; being honest themselves they 
naturally expect to find this quality in others, 
and even though they may often be deceived, 
they are naturally charitable and ever ready to 



62 Seymour s Key to Character. 

make excuses for the failures of mankind, and, 
consequently, are more inclined to believe the 
deceptions practiced to be an error in conduct, 
or a mistake, than a willful deception. Hence 
their affection still continues until we are apt 
to compare them to a " spaniel dog" and say, 
"the more you abuse them the more they love 
you. 

The physiognomical signs of such charac- 
ters are large eyes, thick lips, especially the 
lower lip, a square chin, square tips to their 
fingers, a large back and top head with a round 
face and a tender expression. 

THE CONSOLING TYPE. 

The consoling type are those who in the 
hour of misfortune, bereavement, or trials of 
any kind, by their soft, tender, sympathetic 
words and keen perception seem to penetrate 
the gloom, administer consolation in the darkest 
hour and soothe the heart in its deepest sorrow. 
Their words are words of cheer, their judgment 
sound, and by the manifestations of a self- 
sacrificing spirit they seem to lift the burden 
from off the mourner's heart and set the troubled 
spirit free. They are like ''great physicians" 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



63 



binding up our wounds and ministering to our 
necessities. 

The difference which may be marked in 
the physiognomical signs between the con- 




FIG. 29. Gov. Wm. McKinley, Jr. 



soling and the confiding types lies especially 
in the development of the front head. The 
confiding type may have less of the perceptive 
faculties, (that is they may not be so well de- 



64 Seymour s Key to Character. 

veloped over the eyes) hence are not always 
keen observers, nor are they always so well 
developed in the upper part of the front head, 
consequently are not always good judges of 
human nature, while the consoling type have 
a good development of the observing group, 
they seem to take in at a glance the force of 
circumstances, and having a good development 
of the reflectives (or the upper portion of the 
forehead being wide and high) they are enabled 
to trace the connection between cause and 
effect and thus determine what is most needed 
in the hour of trial, and thus they become wise 
advisers as well as consoling spirits. 

But again in applying the physiognomical 
signs of character to the civilization of the race 
and to the common industries of mankind, there 
are still other types which we may observe as 
a blending of those which have already been 
described. 

The industries of the age seem to be 
divided under three great heads, viz. : Com- 
merce, Mechanics and Literature, and these 
three into many branches. 

Each of these pursuits in life requires a 
special and distinct formation of brain and 
blending of temperaments, which manifests 



Seymour 's Key to Character. 



65 



itself itself in the general expression of the 
countenance and shape of the skull. The first 
that we will consider is the commercial, or 

BUSINESS TYPE. 

Under this head we have the overseers, 
the financiers, the buyers and the sellers, each 
of these different branches of commerce requires 




FIG. 30. Mrs. Frank Leslie 



special traits of character, and may be deter- 
mined by physiognomical signs gathered from 



66 Seymour s Key to Character. 

the experience of men who have made a com- 
parison of the shape of the head and face a. 
study and have classified the similarity and 
dissimilarity of the same. 

THE OVERSEERS. 

The successful overseers are those whose 
characteristics give them command over their 
fellowmen. Those whose social nature is so 
combined with firmness and decision of char- 
acter that they command the confidence, respect 
and servility of all those who may be placed in 
subordination to them. Men and women who 
not only win the respect and confidence of their 
fellowmen by their sociability and decision of 
character, but those whose powers of observa- 
tion are such that they seem to take in every- 
thing at a glance, by the development of their 
large individuality and order become very tech- 
nical, methodical and systematic in all their 
arrangements. They are the men and women 
who work by rule and who demand of and 
command others to do the same. 

The physiognomical signs as indicated in 
the countenance are a well-developed nose, a 
steady eye and a prominent forehead, espe- 
cially rounded in the center from the root of 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



6 7 



the nose to the top of the head. Individuality, 
comparison, human nature and firmness are the 
leading traits of character in such persons. 

Next among the business types we may 
observe, is 

THE FINANCIERS. 

This is a type who have great powers of 
observation, great ability to plan and calculate 
in the head, persons who are very systematic 
in all their arrangements and who seem to 
reduce everything to a mathematical basis. 
Their foreheads are well developed over the 




FIG. 31. John Shermat 



68 Seymour s Key to Character. 

•eyes, broad and well rounded at the sides over 
the outer corners of the eyes, and there is 
great breadth through the head in the region 
of what is termed the " Perfectives " (the front 
side head), also the front of the forehead is 
rounded toward the center near the top. 

The lips are firmly set upon the teeth, the 
chin square, and- there is a good development 
of the back head just at the center. The hands 
and fingers are rather square, especially at the 
tips. The firm set upper lip and square chin 
denote a good degree of firmness and sta- 
bility, while the back head denotes application. 
The front side head denotes constructive ability 
or the adjustment of parts, while the front part 
of the forehead just over the nose and up the 
center denotes observation. 

THE BUYERS. 

This is a type who have similar powers of 
observation to those described as financiers ; 
but have not always the constructive ability, 
nor are they always so systematic. They seem 
to be governed more by the combination of 
Acquisitiveness, Comparison and Individuality 
than by their Order or Constructiveness. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 69 

Their success seems to lie especially in 
their ability to compare the similarity and dis- 
similarity of things, and the proportion of parts. 
As a rule they are a class of people who are 
rather reserved, or who have a good develop- 
ment of Secretiveness, yet having a good de- 
velopment of Observation, they are ever on the 
alert to find out what other people are doing, 
in order that they may understand what they 
have to compete against. 

This type is almost absorbed in what we 
term the ''Financiers," and constitutes the 
ground-work of their success. The physiog- 
nomical signs of a good buyer are a long nose, 
a rather peaked forehead just over the nose, 
close lips, ears rather inclined to stand out from 
the head, and the back part and top of the ear 
to bend forward like a fox, 

THE SALESMAN. 

The successful salesman and saleslady are 
those who have a good development of Agree- 
ableness and Friendship. To be successful in 
this line there must be a disposition to be pleas- 
ing, and bland in manners and conduct ; there 
must be good persuasive powers, and a keen 



7o 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



sense of human nature. The head around the 

ears should be well de- 
veloped, large at the 
back, which combines 
Sociability with Execu- 
tive force and carries its 
weight of magnetic in- 
fluence; also there must 
be a good development 
of the front head, espe- 
cially at the center. 
FIG - 32 - There should be a 

frankness in the expression of the eye, with a 
good sized nose turning out rather than in at 
the point. Such a shaped nose indicates large 
language and power of expression. 




Seymotir s Key to Character. 



7i 



the cHif*. 

The chin is a prominent mark in character 
reading. The broad, square and somewhat 
:massive chin indicates force of character, a 




FIG- 33. Daniel Curry, d.c, ll.d. 



■great deal of will force, great endurance, and 

if thp unnpr lm iq firmlv <ze*t nr»nn the* t^f^th 



•S 1 ^ 1 ^ v - t " ^ l VV111 *^****-i g 

if the upper lip is firmly set upon the teeth 
there will be a great deal of decii 
stability. 



ision and 



72 Seymour s Key to Character. 

RETREATING CHIN. 

If the chin is retreating and rather pointed,, 
standing back even with the corners of the 
mouth when taken in profile, it indicates weak- 
ness of character. Such persons are easily led. 

If the upper jaw stands out over the under 
one, they are likely to be rash and impulsive. 

POINTED CHIN. 

If the chin is pointed and rather project- 
ing, it indicates ambition and economy. If 
oval and uniformly tapered, it denotes pride 
and refinement. 

DIMPLED CHIN. 

Dimples in the chin as well as in the 
cheeks denote tenderness and affection. If 
accompanied with a thick under lip, its owner 
will be fond of carressing and will be very 
solicitous for the tokens of affection from those 
upon whom their affections may be placed ; 
and will be likely to be made very miserable 
by any want of reciprocation in the affairs of 
the heart. 

Where the chin projects and is somewhat 
square, with an upward roll and a fullness in 



Seymour s Key to Character. 7 3 

the center below, somewhat like the "dew 
lap" of the ox, it denotes a voluptuous nature. 

PROTRUDING CHIX. 

The protruding chin, large and long, ac- 
companied by a retreating forehead, with small 
eyes and heavy cheek bones ; or with a heavy 
base to the head and round cheeks and thick 
lips, denotes brutality. 



THE MOUTH. 

We will now consider the physiognomy 
of the mouth. 

There is a sjreat deal of character which 
may be determined by the shape of the mouth, 
lor in it we have all kinds of variety and shape. 
We have what we may designate the large 
mouth, the small mouth, the round mouth, the 
square mouth, the broad mouth, and the nar- 
row mouth, and in each of these varieties there 
is expressed the most unmistakable signs of 
character. 

THE LIPS. 

In defining the mouth I might remark that 
where the mouth is properly proportioned, the 



74 Seymour s Key to Character. 

thick upper lip always denotes tenderness and 
sympathy ; the thick under lip, love of the op- 
posite sex. 

Where the lips are large and thick, it de- 
notes sensuality, and if the eyebrows are circu- 
larly arched it denotes stupidity. If, when the 
mouth is shut, the lips are so arched in the 
center as to show the teeth, it is an indication 
of severity. 

A cavity in the middle of the under lip is 
said to denote sarcasm and cold-heartedness. 

HORSE-SHOE MOUTH. 

If the corners of the mouth turn obliquely 
down, it is a sign of a contemptuous nature, 
especially where the under lip is larger and 
more projecting than the upper. 

If the mouth is turned down and is in 
shape somewhat like a horse-shoe, it is a sign 
of a melancholy disposition. 

SMALL MOUTH. 

A small, narrow mouth with small nostrils 
and circularly arched eyebrows, may be. con- 
sidered weak, fearful, and vain. If accom- 
panied by large dull eyes and an oblong chin 
and open mouth, it denotes imbecility. If the 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



75 



eyes are bright and the lips closed, it denotes 
economy and prudence. 

SQUARE MOUTH. 

A large square mouth denotes an open, 
frank and honest character, especially where 
the lips are well developed. Thin lips, set 
tight upon the teeth, rather compressed, de- 
note selfishness and large secretiveness ; one 
who scarcely ever reveals his plans or pur- 
poses until he has accomplished the same. 



THE EARS. 

Thin ears always denote a sensitive na- 
ture ; small ears, econ- 
omy; long ears, benev- 
olence ; round ears, 
combativeness ; heavily 
concaved and wrinkled 
on the inside, music. 
When the ears bend 
forward, standing out 
from the head, it de- 
notes craft or cunning- 
no. 34. neSS - 




j 6 Seymour s Key to Character. 



THE JSiOSE. 




FIG- 35. 



ACQUISITIVE NOSE. 

The acquisitive nose is a nose well devel- 
oped at the sides toward the lower part, or 
just below the center of its length. It gives 
breadth to the nose just above the wings of 
the nostrils. It may be noticed in all great 
financiers and successful business men. Where 
we find this mark of acquisitiveness very prom- 
inent and the forehead is retreating and very 
narrow toward the front, the cheeks thin and 
the chin pointed, with a long neck, instead of 
a great financier or successful business man or 
woman we find a close, stingy person, one who 
is more hoarding and selfish than speculating. 
They like to buy cheap and sell at the highest 
price, but are not very enterprising. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 77 

COMBATIVE NOSE. 

The sign of combativeness in the nose is 
indicated by a prominence at the ridge, a full- 
ness at each side of the center and a projec- 
tion, causing the appearance of a heavy joint. 
When accompanied with a good degree of 
executiveness, it gives a still greater promi- 
nence to the top of the nose and renders it 
curved, somewhat like an eagle's beak. The 
commercial nose may be considered a combi- 
nation of the acquisitive, combative and exec- 
utive. 

THE MELANCHOLY NOSE. 

The melancholy nose is a nose running 
rather straight from the eyebrows, widening at 
the top toward the tip and turning down toward 
the mouth, somewhat in shape like the back 
part of a spoon-handle. Wherever we find a 
person with this shape of nose, we are apt to 
find a desponding, gloomy disposition, one who 
is apt to look on the dark side of things, and 
to borrow trouble in view of evils which may 
never come upon them. Such are the persons 
who are most apt to commit suicide or to go 
insane whenever any great trouble comes upon 
them. 



78 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



SENSUOUS NOSE. 

Noses which sink in under the eyebrows 
and turn up at the tips, accompany persons 
who are fond of ease and pleasure ; they are 
rather inclined to jealousy. Where the nostrils 
are wide, open and round, somewhat like the 
nostrils of the bull, it denotes sensuality; 
accompanied by a fiat countenance and pro- 
truding lips, it denotes stupidity, . sensuality 
and vulgarity combined. 



DEFENSIVE NOSE. 



Noses which display a curve in the center, 
somewhat like an eagle's beak, or what is some- 




FIG. 36. Eagle. 



w9m 

FIG. 37. General Nafier. Eaglb Face. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 



79 



times termed the Roman nose, indicate cour- 
age, defence and energy. 



CONSUMPTIVE NOSE. 

A nose with pinched nostrils, be the nose 
long or short, denotes weak lungs and a defi- 
ciency of breathing power. Good open nostrils 
seldom, if ever, suffer from lung trouble. 

Where the nostrils show a pinched appear- 
ance, great care should be taken to supply 





Consumptive Nose. 



FIG. 39. Consumptive. 



the lungs with plenty of air. Persons of this 
class should practice full, deep breathing in the 
open air, should have their rooms well venti- 
lated and should sleep in cold rooms. 



8o 



Seymour's Key to Character. 



INTELLIGENT NOSE. 

A long nose, somewhat of the Grecian 
order, but rather heavy at the tip and rounded 
on the top somewhat like a saddle, with slight 
inclination to turn up at the tip, is indicative of 
great intelligence and a desire for information. 



THE EVES. 



LARGE EYES. 



The large, open eyes may always be con- 
sidered either an expression of love, frankness, 
or extremes ; if accompanied with thick lips 

and a dimpled chin, 
it expresses love 
and tenderness ; 
if the mouth is 
square and some- 
what open, then a 
large eye denotes 
frankness and hon- 
esty of purpose ; if the under lip projects and 
drops down a little, then there is indicated in 
the large eye severity ; it the corners of the 
mouth turn upward, the large eye indicates 
extremes of feeling and an hysterical tendency. 




Seymour s Key to Character. 



81 



SMALL EVES. 

The small restless eye indicates meanness, 
cunningness, deceit. Such persons will not be 
apt to do any great crime in a direct manner, 
nor are they capable of performing any great 
deeds of valor ; but they seem to work in an 
underhanded manner. 

Such is also true of persons with large eyes 
where the pupil of eye the turns often toward 
the outer corners and there is the sideward 
glance rather than the straight forward look. 
Such signs are signs of large Secretiveness 
and Selfishness. 

BLUE EVES. 

Large blue eyes are 
both an expression of 
the tenderest emotions, 
a confiding, trusting 
nature, and wonderful 
Mights of the imagina- 
tions. If the eyebrows 
are arched there i s 
likely to be manifested 
a great deal of hope as 
well as trust ; such per- 
sons live a great deal 
in the future, and ever 




82 Seymour s Key to Character. 

expect a good time coming if they never 
get it. 

Such persons are said to be hard to man- 
age ; they are ofttimes suspicious, jealous, and 
easily excited against others. They are fond 
of luxuries and have often an inquiring nature, 

BROWN EYES. 

The large brown eye carries with it a 
great deal of determination, ardent feelings, 
strong passions and great antipathy to rivals. 

Such persons 
have strong affec- 
tions and bitter 
hatred. Jealousy 
when once aroused 
in such persons is 
apt to be rather 
dangerous ; their 
anger is likely to 
expand itself in the 
most forcible man- 
ner. Such are the 
F1G . 42. eyes which Novel- 

ists select to represent a spirit of revenge. If 
the upper eyelid closes half way down over 
the pupil there is usually a great deal of ten- 




Seymour s Key to Character. 83 

derness and firmness combined. Small brown 
eyes are said to be treacherous. 

BLACK EVES. 

Buffon has said "there are no black eyes, 
that supposed to be black are only yellow 
brown or deep orange. They appear to be 
black because the yellow brown color is so 
contrasted with the white." 

But another author has enumerated four 
kinds : 






FIG.. 43. 



"First, the small, brilliant, hard black eye 
which looks like a bead, and which one might 
crack like a cherry stone. 

" Second, the glowing cavernous black 
eyes, hot with smoldering fires. 

"Third, the soft swimming, sleepy black 
eye ; and 

" Fourth, the large, well set, and finely 
formed black eye, solemn as the hush of mid- 



84 Seymour s Key to Character. 

night, still as the mountain lake, yet full of 
passion, full of thought, intellect and feeling, 
that rise in a storm till the quiet surface glows 
again ; an eye that has no need of words — 
that never smiles, but knows the worth of 
tears ; an eye that goes straight to the heart 
with a single glance, and never leaves it more ; 
an eye that does not intoxicate like the blue, 
but draws you steadily and surely on, and 
touches chords in your heart which have been 
untouched before,' and can never wake for a 
lesser power again." 

HAZEL EVES. 

Jessie Carroll, the Poetess, has described 
the hazel eyes in the following manner: 

Away with your "bonnie eyes of blue," 
I'll have no more with them to do ; 
They can be false as well as true. 

But the glorious eye of hazel tinge, 
With its drooping lid of softest fringe, 
The flood gates of the soul unhinge ! 

Graceful and tender, loving, kind, 
The wide world o'er you will not find 
Eyes that so firm the heart can bind. 

Although in many respects there is a great 



Seymour s Key to Charade? . 85 

deal of truth expressed in the foregoing lines, 
especially when speaking of the tenderness and 
sympathy which we so often find expressed in 
the dispositions of those possessing hazel eyes ; 
yet my observations of persons has led me to 
conclude that the hazel eye is an indication of 
enthusiasm, emotion, and if accompanied with 
a mouth that turns up at the corners, and 
rather small ears, their owners will be apt to 
be rather sarcastic, cutting and ironical in their 
remarks when perplexed, yet they are likely to 
be true to their friends and ofttimes very self- 
sacrificing. 

GRAY EYES. 

Gray eyes are often said to be selfish ; but 
my observation ol gray eyes has led me to 
conclude that, while there is less expression of 
affection in the gray eye and probably more 
manifest coldness, there is no color of the eye 
which expresses more fidelity, and certainly 
none which demonstrates keener perception 
and more intellectuality than does the gray 
eye. 

When the eyes are small, set back in the 
head, with long, shaggy eyebrows and eye- 
lashes, there is manifested the sign of selfish- 
ness, a suspicious nature ; but when the eyes 



86 Seymour s Key to Characte7\ 

are large and open, there is nobility of character 
and a cool, calculating mind, especially if the 
head is well developed in the front. 

Lavater says: "The more the upper eye- 
lid or the skin below or above the ball of the 
eye appears projecting and well defined, the 
more it shades the pupil and above retires 
under the eye-bone, the more has the char- 
acter oi spirit, refined sense, amorous disposi- 
tion, true sincerity and constant delicacy." 

A poet, in writing upon the physiognomy 
of the eyes, has described them in the follow- 
ing manner : 

"Let the blue tell of love 
And the black of beauty, 
But the gray soars far above 
In the realm of duty. 

Ardor for the black proclaim, 

Gentle sympathy for blue ; 
But the gray may be the same, 

And the gray is ever true. 

Sing, then, of the blue eye's love, 
Sing the hazel eye of beauty ; 

But the gray is crowned above, 
In the realm of duty." 

"Gray eyes", says another writer, "be- 



Seymour s Key to Character, 87 

long to great thinkers. In woman they indi- 
cate a better head than heart." 

After all that we have said and quoted 
about the different eyes, there is a great deal 
more which might be added, and lest some of 
our readers be led astray by the ardor ex- 
pressed by some of the writers upon the dif- 
ferent colored eyes, perhaps it will be well to 
make a few farther comments upon this subject. 

Not infrequently have I been asked by 
friends and investigators of the subject of 
physiognomy: "What is your theory of the 
law of correspondence between the different 
color of the eyes and the disposition of char- 
acter, and why is the gray eye considered cold, 
the blue confiding, the brown and hazel ardent, 
and the black passionate?" 

My answer is that all Nature is governed 
by a universal law of correspondence. Who 
has ever taken a ramble through the fields of 
nature in the morning twilight without feeling 
a cool, calculating frame of mind? That feel- 
ing corresponds with the color of the morning ; 
and the morning gray is in harmony with the 
soul of Nature as it seems to rise in all its 
majesty to scatter the darkness of the night. 
Hence the gray color of the eye may be con- 



88 Seymour s Key to Character. 

sidered an expression of the condition of the 
soul of man struggling for the light. Unas- 
sisted by the fires of passion or emotion the 
soul looks out through its gray windows and 
hails the approach of day. 

The blue eye corresponds with the azure 
blue of the noonday sky, when all around seems 
gay and fair, and all above is bright and clear. 
To every soul of man the clear, blue sky con- 
veys a spirit of confidence and trust. 

Blue in every part of Nature seems to 
carry with it a spirit of peace and hopefulness ; 
and I have no doubt but that this fact first 
inspired the physiognomist to look for its cor- 
respondence between the blue windows, which 
let in the light of nature, and the soul that 
dwells within ; and by oft repeated compari- 
sons we have found that the blue eye most 
generally is found in persons of a hopeful, 
sanguine, trusting disposition. 

The light brown or hazel eye corresponds 
with the shadows of the gloaming, when the 
brilliancy of day seems to softly hide itself 
behind the sable curtains of the night, and 
gradually sinks away in silence. 



Seymour s Key to Character, 89 

There is a depth of beauty in the hazel 
•eye that corresponds with the mantling gloom 
of the evening sky ; and its majestic light dif- 
fers from the morning gray in that the former 
naturally carries our souls into the land of 
dreams, while the latter calls forth its sensibil- 
ities to actual service. So between the dispo- 
sitions of the beautiful twilight brown or hazel, 
the trusting blue and penetrating gray we find 
that each color represents its true nature, and 
in the gray we look for "mentality" which 
corresponds with the penetration of the morn- 
ing light; in the blue "trust and confidence" 
which corresponds with the noonday splendor 
(when man is said to walk without stumbling), 
and in the hazel "meditation", which corre- 
sponds with the shades of evening. 

The dark brown or what is termed the 
black eye corresponds with the shades of night, 
when all nature seems to be hushed in stillness 
and the fires that burn amid the day time lie 
hidden in her most secret chambers, and as 
the twinkle of a star or lightning rlash at night, 
is made more brilliant by the darkness that 
surrounds it, so may we consider the fires that 
gleam from those eyes (as the soul is stirred 



90 Seymour s Key to Character, 

within) to be more fierce as they sparkle 
through the sable blackness. 

Thus the black eye may be considered a 
true representation of the lurking fires and 
secrets of the night; and its treachery but 
represents the sudden bursting of the hidden 
storms that lie buried neath its darkness. 

And in the analogy which exists between 
the different color of the eyes and the changing 
seasons of the day, we must not forget that all 
the day reveals the night conceals, and all the 
secret storms of night lie hidden in the back- 
ground of the day. The question of color then 
is but a representation of what lies nearest to 
the surface. 

Stir each soul to its very depth and you 
will often find under different circumstances 
the emotions, passions and possibilities of the 
human soul are near the same ; only it requires 
different circumstances to change the front, 
and as physiognomy deals with the surface of 
things more especially, and the surface indi- 
cates what lies directly beneath, by it we may 
rightly judge the impulse of the soul. 



Seymours Key to Character. 91 



COMPARATIVE PHVSIOGJ40MV. 







92 Seymour s Key to Character. 



COMPARATIVE PHVSIOG^OIVLY— Continued. 





DONKEY FACE. 




o^? 




Seymour s Key to Character. 93 



COMPARATIVE PHVSIOG^IOIVIY— Continued. 






94 Seymour s Key to Character. 

COMPARATIVE PHYSIOGNOMY— Concluded. 




SCOTCH TERRIER. 



For the illustrations which we have given, 
showing the comparative physiognomy between 
the animal and the human, we are indebted to 
Wells' New Physiognomy. Had we space 
these comparisons might be continued to great 
length, for it is said that every human being 
represents some animal. Some persons repre- 
sent the dog, others the cat, others the horse, 
others the ox, etc., etc., and not only between 
the likeness in the face, but also in the disposi- 
tions or traits of character we often find great 
similarity. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 95 



THE EYEBROWS. 

1. Arched eyebrows are considered effemi- 
nate and belong properly to the gentler sex. 

2. Horizontal eyebrows are considered 
masculine, and when found in woman not only 
impart a masculine appearance, but are a sign 
of strong-mindedness. 

3. Arched and horizontal combined de- 
note strength of will, masculine understand- 
ing, with feminine tenderness and sympathy. 

4. Coarse and strangly hair denotes per- 
plexity of character ; if the hair is soft it denotes 
ardor and tenderness. 

5. Where the hair runs parallel and is 
firm upon the eyebrows as if it had been 
trimmed or ironed, it is a sign of great under- 
standing and of keen perception. 

6. Where the eyebrows meet together I 
have observed it to be a sign of impulse, of 
great frankness at one time and great cunning- 
ness at others even in the same person. It is 
a sign of extremes in the character of its pos- 
sessor; ofttimes of great jealousy. 



96 Seymour s Key to Character. 

7. Where the eyebrows project and are 
set close to the eyes it denotes earnestness of 
purpose and stability of character. 

8. Where the hair is thin and weak it 
denotes debility both in bodily strength and 
proportionately in the strength of character. 

9. Angular, strong, interrupted eyebrows 
are said to denote fire and productive activity. 

10. The farther the eyebrows are removed 
from the eyes, and the less they project over 
the eyes, the more easily are such persons to 
be led, and the more likely are they to become 
hysterical. 



THE FOREHEAD. 

RETREATING FOREHEADS. 

The retreating forehead with over arching 
eyebrows and a long, sharp nose, somewhat 
curved in the center, denotes activity, energy, 
and great power of observation but little rea- 
son. Where the eyes stand out level with the 
eyebrows, the retreating forehead indicates a 
lack of intelligence. 



Seymour' 's Key to Character. 



97 



SQUARE FOREHEADS. 

Where the forehead stands up square and 
broad it denotes great power of thought. If 

accompanied with 
horizontal eye- 
brows it will denote 
good practical 
sense and judg- 
ment, if with arched 
eyebrows it de- 
notes more philos- 
ophy than practical 
common sense ; if 
accompanied with 
weak eyebrows, 
they will be apt to dwell in dream-land with 
their philosophy. 




FIG. 44. Ben. Harrison. 



WRINKLED FOREHEADS. 

Where there are straight horizontal wrinkles 
running parallel across the forehead there is 
indicated a good degree of intelligence and 
practical common sense ; and if the eyebrows 
run parallel also and the upper lip is thick and 
set firmly upon the teeth it denotes firmness, 
reliance and tenderness, as well as intelligence. 



9 8 



Seymour s Key to Character. 




FIG. 45. Wrinkled Forehead. 



In the description of foreheads Lavater 
has said: " When a finely arched forehead has 
in the middle, between the eyebrows, a slight 
discernable perpendicular but not too long a 
wrinkle, or two parallel wrinkles of that kind, 
especially when the eyebrows are marked, com- 
pressed and regular, it is to be ranked among 
foreheads of the first magnitude." 

Such foreheads, beyond all doubt, apper- 
tain only to wise and masculine mature charac- 
ters ; and when they are found in females, it is 
difficult to find any more discreet and sensible, 



Seymour s Key to Character. 99 

mare betokening royal dignity and propriety 
of manners. 

A forehead rather concave and very smooth, 
and somewhat glossy between the eyebrows, 
■or right over the root of the nose, denotes a 
melancholy disposition and a tendency to im- 
becility. 

Lavater says that "a square superficies 
between the eyebrows, or a gate-like wrinkle- 
less breadth, which remains wrinkleless when 
all around it is deeply furrowed, oh, that is a 
•certain sign of the utmost weakness and con- 
fusion of intellect." 

A forehead that is almost wrinkleless when 
the countenance is not animated and where the 
upper part becomes wrinkled when its posses- 
sor is excited in laughter, and where the nose 
is curved, denotes an impulsive, fiery temper, 
and a great deal of self-conceit. Knotty fore- 
heads, irregular wrinkles of the forehead also 
denote a hasty temper. 

Lavater says : " Perplexed, deeply indented 
wrinkles of the forehead, in opposition to each 
other, are always a certain sign of a harsh, 
perplexed, and difficult to manage, character." 



TO BOSIHESS JABfi 



The secret of success in every line of 
business lies chiefly in our understanding of 
human nature, and whatever has a tendency to 
aid us in character-reading at sight, must be of 
great value to the public in general and to 
business men in particular ; and as there is a 
great want felt in this capacity, I have been 
prompted to give the benefit of my observations 
in a very concise form, so that business men 
whose time is limited may catch the essence 
of this volume without having to peruse its- 
entire pages. 

THE ACCOUNTANT. 

If you wish to secure a good accountant 
choose one having a head which measures a 
good distance from the center of the ear to the 
root of the nose. This renders him minute in 
observation. Next he should be wide across 
the base of the forehead with horizontal eye- 
brows projecting over and near the eyes, which 
is the physiognomical sign of a calculating 
mind. The length of the nose should meas- 



Seymour s Key to Character, 101 

•ure at least one-sixth more than the distance 
from the outer corner of the nostril to the 
corner of the mouth. 

If the eyebrows are arched and stand 
high above the eyes, and the front part or 
middle of the forehead is smooth and flat just 
over the root of the nose, they rarely make 
good accountants, and where they do succeed, 
they are apt to go insane through overtaxation. 

THE BUYER. 

Do you wish to secure a good buyer ? 
Then select one whose measurements at the 
base of the head in front of the ears are similar 
to those described in the accountant ; but in 
addition there should be a good development 
•of the center of the forehead to about two or 
two and a half inches above the root of the 
nose, which renders them competent judges of 
human nature and gives them the power to cor- 
rectly compare similarities and dissimilarities. 

If the head is receding directly from the 
eyebrows, they may be keen observers and 
consequently good judges of the quality, den- 
sity and value of goods, but they lack in power 
to reason from cause to effect, and may buy 



102 Seymour s Key to Character. 

goods that are not seasonable and therefore- 
become valueless for want of a market. 

The successful buyer must have reason 
sufficient to consider the outlet for his goods, 
as well as perception to compare its relative- 
value from quality. 

SALESMEN. 

Do you wish to secure a good salesman ?' 
Then secure one wide on the side of the front 
top head, which imparts to their nature a good 
degree of agreeableness, thus enabling themi 
to make friends of and thus retain their cus- 
tomers ; a good development of the side head: 
around the ears, which imparts to their nature 
a great deal of magnetic force ; a rather square 
mouth and a fullness just below the eye, which 
is an indication of plenty of words. 

THE MANAGER. 

Do you wish to secure a good manager ?' 
Then choose one having a similar development 
to that described in the buyer, with a well- 
developed side head above, in front and back 
of the ears, with a good development of the 
top back head in the region of what is termed 
Firmness. In other words, a good manager 



Seymour s Key to Character. 105. 

wants to be one whose ears are set near the 
center of the base of the head, and whose 
head above the ears and face below measures 
about equal, drawing a horizontal line over the 
top of the head and below the chin. 

If the head is narrow at the top, wide at 
the base and in front of the ears, then they 
will be energetic, but are apt to be dishonest. 
If narrow through the base and wide at the 
top a person is likely to be honest, but lack 
force and energy of character. If sloping at 
the top back head, then they may be energetic 
and honest, but there is a want of decision. 

Hence to be a successful manager there 
must be a general development of the head. 

OTHER SIGNS BY WHICH PERSONS MAY SAFELY 
SELECT HELP. 

If a person comes to you to seek a posi- 
tion, and when addressing you the eye drops 
suddenly downward unaccompanied by a blush 
upon the countenance, then it is a sign of dis- 
honesty; if accompanied by a blush, it may be 
a sign of bashfulness. If, when in conversa- 
tion, a person is constantly turning round as 
though they were suspecting some one coming, 
or afraid of being overheard, then it is a sign 



104 Seymour s Key to Character. 

of craftiness. If the eye seems to roll in the 
head, it is a sign of mental weakness. But if 
there is a firm, steady look, it indicates stability 
of character and honesty of purpose. 

THE MECHANIC. 

Should you desire to secure a person who 
is good at making things after a pattern, then 
you should choose one whose ears are set near 
the center of the base of the head, and whose 
head is wide about two inches above and in 
front of the center of the ear, with a nose 
similar to that which we have described on 
page y6 as the constructing nose. 

If it be for the heavier branches of 
mechanics, then a person should have a good 
development of the Motive Temperament: 
dense muscles and strong bones. 

If for the artistic and finer branches, there 
should be a good development of the Mental 
and Vital Temperaments, which are indicated 
by smaller bones, a round form, and a greater 
breadth to the top front and side head. Such 
persons are adapted to Art because they have 
a more delicate and sensitive touch ; their large 
perceptives, or heavy set eyebrows, which give 
them the power of observation ; the breadth in 



Seymour s Key to Character. 105 

front of the ears imparts the ability to con- 
struct ; and a large front and top head stamps 
them with the ability to conceive new ways of 
doing things. With such an organization they 
are likely to become inventors, and are adapted 
to the use of fine tools. 



Houu to Select a Husband 
op a Wife, 



This is a subject upon which I do not 
think too much can possibly be said, or too 
much light be given. 

I do not think it possible to understand 
too much upon the sublect of ''Courtship and 
Marriage". It has its pleasantness and sad- 
ness, its bright and dark sides ; it may be a 
beautiful garden in which grow the richest, 
purest, and most beautiful flowers, or it may 
be to some a wilderness, a forest, or a garden 
gone to waste. Painful experiences often arise 
from the marriage relation, but I want to say 
that. every one of them is governed by natural 
laws. There is no chance in the matter. We 
do not come together by chance ; we do not 
live together by chance ; we are not happy or 
miserable by chance. " Chance " has nothing 
to do with the regulations of nature. There 
is a cause to every effect. This is true in the 
marriage relation, as well as outside of it; and 



Seymour s Key to Character. 107 

our business is to ascertain the cause and learn 
the conditions, and through the records of past 
experiences, together with practical observa- 
tions of the present, learn those lessons of 
truth that shall guide us aright in our under- 
takings through life. 

If mankind would but stop and consider 
these lessons more fully ; if young men and 
young women would stop and be governed by 
their reason, by their common sense upon this, 
as they are upon many other questions, I have 
no doubt but that a great deal of misery might 
be saved. 

I remember hearing a colored man in the 
city of Philadelphia at one time remark, when 
entering upon a discussion of the question : 
"Is Christianity rational ? " with a number of 
Freethinkers: " This is a very foolish question, 
and I do not see why you philosophers and 
scientists should be discussing it. Is Chris- 
tianity rational? Why, Christianity is built on 
love, and love is not rational and never was ! 
I took my wife because I loved her, and I 
embrace Christianity upon the principle of love. 
If I had stopped to reason, very likely I never 
would have seen more in my wife than anybody 



108 Seymour s Key to Character, 

else; but it was not a question of reason, it 
was a question of love." 

Now this position may be true as regards 
Christianity, and may be true in the case of 
the colored gentleman, but it is not a standard 
truth in matrimony in general. 

A great many people do not know what 
love is, and many of them will never know ; 
they have not reason enough to understand 
the true principle of love. 

I will admit that the marriages that are 
most harmonious and most lasting in their 
character are made by the divine principle of 
love, and that love itself is divine. But there 
is a vast distinction between what is often 
called love, and love itself; and I consider it 
an insult to a God, whose nature and being is 
love, to charge Him with having joined in the 
bonds of matrimony those many pairs whose 
very natures iorbid the harmonious blending 
of a life of love. I grant you, that true love 
should underlie the marriage relations, and 
only those who are united by this principle 
are sanctioned by God. I contend, that if 
God, as an overruling power, interferes with 
the destiny of man, all His rulings must be 
consistent and must harmonize with the laws 



Seymour s Key to Character. 109 

of Nature, by which He regulates every other 
phenomenon in the Universe. 

Hence, so far as we have yet learned, 
God's method of unity depends upon the law 
of attraction brought about by the harmonious 
blending or sameness in the nature of the 
bodies that are drawn toward each other ; and 
in proportion to the amount of sameness exist- 
ing in their individualities will be the unity 
between them, until by the subtle forces of 
magnetic attraction (whilst their individuality 
and identity remain the same) their natures 
become more and more harmonious, until as 
the years roll on, there is a gradual growing 
likeness in the physiognomical appearance of 
the countenance, as well as the silent workings 
of the disposition of their minds. Hence the 
question that should be uppermost in the minds 
of those about to enter into the matrimonial 
state, is, What are the possibilities of attrac- 
tion both in mind and body? What we call 
love is to me but the manifestation of that law 
of attraction seen in all the elements of matter,, 
and can only be manifested where there is a 
sameness in the nature of the organic structures 
that are brought in contact ; and as the nature 
of the individual changes through the force of 



iio Seymour s Key to Character. 

circumstances or influences brought to bear 
upon it, if that influence is not brought to bear 
upon other bodies in like proportion, the same- 
ness will be proportionately destroyed, and the 
attraction is lost ; hence the fires of love die 
out, and in the absence of attraction there is 
the law of repulsion. Thus we see that the 
misery and happiness of the domestic circle is 
governed by natural laws. 

The first consideration that should occupy 
the minds of the young before entering into 
the matrimonial state should be to learn (as 
far as science can determine) the general com- 
position of body and mind, both of yourself 
and the one with whom you are about to unite ; 
and as the highest expressions of love are 
based upon the intellectual faculties and moral 
sentiments, great care should be taken to select 
a companion whose nature in this respect will 
correspond with your own so as to bring about 
that harmonious blending and development 
which shall render your lives more happy as 
time advances, and the cares and anxieties of 
life call forth the vigorous exercise of these 
faculties in the concentration of your efforts to 
overcome the obstacles that lie in your path. 
If there is one garden spot on earth, one Para- 



Sey?nours Key to Character. 1 1 1 

•dise beneath the sun in which the soul of man 
or woman may find sweet relief amid the cares 
and anxieties of life, it is the domestic circle 
where husband and wife are united in the 
bonds of love, brought about by the blending 
of their intellectual faculties and moral senti- 
ments ; and there is no spot on earth more 
dark and dreary than a home destitute of the 
warm and purifying rays of the fire of affec- 
tion. But how sad the thought and still more 
appalling the fact, that comparatively few homes 
are kept bright by its warm and illuminating 
influence. 

And why? because the majority of mar- 
riages are based upon the lowest kind of love, 
namely, the animal propensities. Which, in- 
stead of being that elevating, purifying, refining 
and God-like principle, worthy of the name of 
love, may rather be considered as a passion, a 
prejudicial selfish element ; which, ungoverned 
by reason and moral sentiments, often leads to 
intolerance, injustice and crime. Not that I 
would condemn the activity of man's propensi- 
ties or attempt to quench their fires, but rather 
would regulate them by the dictates of an en- 
lightened intellect. 

I believe the activity of man's propensities 



1 1 2 Seymour s Key to Character, 

are as essential to the domestic happiness of 
mankind as are the intellectual faculties and 
moral sentiments. Every part of our nature 
should work in concert, and should assist and 
control each other. 

Without the development of Amativeness, 
which lends special attraction toward the sexes, 
that degree of tenderness and affection which 
we feel toward the opposite sex would be en- 
tirely lost ; and consequently there would be 
no desire for matrimonial unions. I regard 
the man or woman who never feels the affec- 
tionate influence of this propensity in their 
natures as altogether unfit for this life; and 
perhaps it would be better for themselves and 
those connected with them, if they could find 
some sacred spot where they could dwell alone. 
I have but little use for old bachelors or old 
maids who are such from choice ; while my 
sympathies extend toward those who are made 
such through force of circumstances. 

But again there are other propensities in 
the nature of mankind, which play an impor- 
tant part in securing domestic happiness. Take 
for instance the organ of Philoprogenitiveness 
(or Parental love) which naturally attracts and 
calls forth our sympathies toward the young, 



Seymour s Key to Character, 1 1 3 

and without which the helpless infant would 
often be considered a nuisance, and the care 
and worry necessary in its attendance would 
be regarded as a task and burden to those 
whose business it becomes to provide for its 
wants. But the development of this propen- 
sity renders it a pleasure rather than a task, 
and by a law of reciprocation which exists be- 
tween those who have it large and the innocent 
babe, the two become cemented ; and as years 
roll on, (although there may often arise con- 
tentions and strife between parents and chil- 
dren, as a result of a deficiency or excess in 
other faculties,) those who have large Parental 
Love will never stand still in the defense of 
their young against the insults or injustice of 
others. Hence, as a guarantee of protection 
toward the young, a good degree of the pro- 
pensity which we call Philoprogenitiveness is 
essential in those about to enter into the mar- 
riage relation. 

Another propensity which is almost indis- 
pensible in securing happiness is that of In- 
habitiveness (or love of home), without which 
the attractions of the domestic fireside would 
be lost, and the growing cares of family ties 
(which ofttimes forbids us to roam) would so 



1 1 4 Seymour s Key to Character. 

eclipse the sunshine of life, that instead of 
singing that sweet song: "Home, Home Sweet 
Horned we should often regard it as a dark 
and dreary prison cell. 

Again, not only is it essential that those 
who would enter into the matrimonial state 
should have a good development of Amative- 
ness, Philoprogenitiveness, and Inhabitiveness> 
but connected with these domestic propensities 
there should be a good degree of Combativeness 
and Acquisitiveness, without which there will 
be but little ability or natural disposition either 
to provide for or to defend the rights of those 
we love. 

A person who has not Acquisitiveness 
sufficient to perceive and appreciate the value 
of money, is either liable to be a spendthrift, 
or to become lazy. And the person who has 
not Combativeness enough to stand up for 
their own rights and the rights of those who 
are near to them by kindred ties of blood, or 
marriage, is not fit to become a husband, wife 
or a parent. 

But although I would advocate the con- 
sideration of a proper development of the do- 
mestic propensities, (and without which there 
will be but little congeniality between husband 



Seymour s Key to Character. 115 

and wife, or parents and children,) yet I do not 
desire you should understand that the develop- 
ment of the propensities alone should be the 
standard by which we are to measure the quali- 
fications of marriage. 

I regard the propensities as being the 
servants of love. And as I have said before 
"all true love being based upon the moral sen- 
timents and intellectual faculties," it should be 
the governing motive in the conduct of those 
about to marry (if they would render their 
married life a happy one) to understand the 
relative development of the moral sentiments 
and intellectual faculties to the domestic pro- 
pensities. 

But not only is it important that there be 
a good development of the propensities and 
of the intellectual faculties, but also the condi- 
tions of health should be considered. 

For want of a proper consideration of 
these things it is likely that there are children 
yet unborn who will suffer aches and pains, 
imprisonment and death, as the consequence 
of children yet unmarried. People who enter 
into the marriage state are largely responsible 
for everything that is enjoyed or suffered by 
their children after them. For the lives they 



1 1 6 Seymour s Key to Character. 

live, good or bad, are influenced both by pre- 
natal conditions and the examples which the 
disposition, wisdom, or lack of it in parents are 
likely to bestow upon them. And this should 
be a great consideration in entering the mar- 
riage state. 

I said in the commencement of this chap- 
ter that everything is governed by the law of 
cause and effect ; the physiological conditions, 
mental conditions, and moral conditions, are all 
carried down by the law of heredity upon pos- 
terity; therefore we should blend our forces 
together, so that the children that come after 
us shall be better than we ourselves. 

We know it is possible in raising stock or 
animals below us, to improve the physiological 
conditions, and why not among the human 
family ? 

The American people of to-day are the 
smartest in God's universe, so far as we know 
anything about the race of man. They are 
not the most profound, the most logical or the 
most scientific ; but they are the smartest. 
They will outwit any other nation in the world. 

The Irishman is said to have the most 
native wit, but the "Yankee" will beat him 
every time. Why are the Americans smarter? 



Seymour s Key to Character. 1 1 7 

Because the poles have met and centered here. 
And it is the combination of the various tribes 
of the earth that have been brought together, 
married and produced posterity. 

The Americans have in them the charac- 
teristics of the extremes, and the consequence 
is that they are nearer the ideal man and 
woman than any other nation upon the earth. 
But are we going to stop here? Are there no 
more extremes to bring in ? Certainly there 



are 



And what I want to impress upon my 
young readers, is the desire to blend your 
forces more harmoniously. 

Where there is the quick, active Mental 
Temperament, then mingle with it the Motive 
and Vital, then vice versa, and what will be 
the result? Instead of that dyspeptic tendency 
that we find in the American people, as a re- 
sult of their activity, physical and mental, and 
the exhaustion of their vital forces, (not taking 
time to eat on the one hand, and always being 
excited on the other) your children will take 
time to digest their food, and will regulate the 
Motive and the Vital Temperament by the 
combination of the intellectual. 



1 1 8 Seymour s Key to Character. 

Thus a still brighter and better race of 
mankind will be the result of your intelligence, 
than has ever yet graced our mother Earth. 

I would that I could combine the experi- 
ence of the ages, together with the wisdom of 
all who have perambulated through the flowery 
fields or desert wastes of a matrimonial life, 
and with one glance of your eye, or a moment's 
thought, enable you to behold its sunshine and 
its shadows, its straight and narrow paths, to- 
gether with those many hearts who, 

Basking in its sunbeams, 

Repining in its shade, 
Have sipped at different fountains, 

And thus their lives have made 
Of love's pure stream a pleasure, 

A garden pure and green; 
Where many a beautious flower, 

Of richest hues is seen. 



Oi 



Soon amid the foliage, 

The flowers all droop and die; 
The garden is a desert, 

Where weeds are growing high 
The fountain streams are bitter, 

The fondest hopes all fled; 
"All is not gold that glitters!'' 

Then ponder, e'er you wed. 



Seymour s Key to Character. 1 1 9 

In order to bring this part of our subject 
more easily within the grasp of those who 
would profit by the remarks already offered, 
I will endeavor to give my readers a few 
physiognomical signs by which they may more 
readily understand the adaptation of the sexes. 

TO THE LADIES. 

Should your organization be what we term 
the Mental-Vital Temperament, you will be 
naturally sanguine, hopeful, a lover of romance, 
art, poetry, music, and whatever has a tendency 
to excite your emotional nature. You will be 
repelled by whatever seems coarse or low either 
in your own conduct or the conduct of others. 

If your Approbation be also large, you 
will love to adorn your home with pictures, 
fancy needle work, rustic and antique furniture, 
and will be apt to be annoyed by want of ap- 
preciation of such things in those by whom you 
may be surrounded. 

In such a case it would not do for you to 
marry a man utterly destitute of the finer sen- 
timents ; his vulgarity or stupidity would be to 
you a continual "Thorn in the flesh." 

Nor would it do for you to marry one 
whose sentiments, tastes, and disposition cor- 



1 20 Seymour s Key to Character'. 

respond exactly with your own ; for in such a 
case, should you beget children, they would be 
apt to be so utterly sensitive and nervous, that 
they would become mentally and physically un- 
balanced. 

You should marry a man having a good 
development of what we term the Motive-Men- 
tal Temperament; which combination would 
render him practical, energetic and observing. 

His Mental Temperament would be suf- 
ficient to enable him to appreciate art, although 
he might not be able to accomplish it, and his 
Motive Temperament would render him indus- 
trious in providing means to secure that which 
your taste would dictate. 

If you have large Combativeness and are 
somewhat impulsive in your nature, you should 
marry a man having a good development of 
Cautiousness or Forethought, so that he may 
be more slow in coming to a decision ; hence 
you will have time to get over your impulse 
before he gets angry. 

If you are fair in color of complexion and 
hair, then select one who is dark. If you are 
medium in color of complexion and hair, then 
medium may be chosen in the opposite sex. 
If your eyes are blue, select one who has dark 



Seymours Key to Character. 121 

eyes. If yours are gray, then you can select 
either light or dark. If your eyes are hazel, 
then select gray. If your hair is very fine, 
select one whose hair is coarse. If your hair 
is coarse, choose one whose hair is fine. If 
your hair is curly, select one whose hair is 
straight. 

If you have a heavy, broad, and masculine 
chin, choose one whose chin is rather round or 
pointed. But never select one whose chin is 
receding, unless you desire a weak and un- 
manly person to lean upon you rather than one 
to whom you can look for help. If you have 
arched eyebrows, seek a companion whose eye- 
brows are horizontal. 

If your forehead is rather low, seek a hus- 
band whose forehead is rather high, and whose 
back head is also well developed, especially at 
the base, for if the forehead be too high, and 
the back head deficient, he will be apt to be 
too much of a philosopher to be practical, and 
be so cold that you will not be able to appre- 
ciate each other. 

If you desire to be loved, fondled or ca- 
ressed, seek a man who has a good develop- 
ment of the front head, a good development of 
the back head with rather thick lips, a full eye, 



122 Seymour s Key to Character. 

and dimpled chin. If you should marry one 
having thick lips, dimpled chin, and large back 
head, with a poor development of the front, he 
is apt to be governed too much by his propen- 
sities, and will be apt to manifest more sensu- 
ality than love. 

Should your organization be the reverse 
of all or any part of what I have herein de- 
scribed, then the reverse will be appropriate in 
your selection. And what is here given as a 
guide to women will also apply to men. 



O^CA^IC QXJAliITV. 




High Organic Quality Mrs. McKinley. 




Harmonious Type. 
Dr. Talmage. 



Lew Organic Quality. Palmer, Murderer. 



0$GA]^IC QUALITY. 





Scrofulous Type. 



Consumptive Type. 





Healthy Type. 



Poor Digestion. 



PflYSIOGNOJVIICAIi SIGHS OF DISEASE. 



Doctor J. Adams of Toronto has divided 
the human head into three types, viz.: 

First, the healthy type ; Second, the scrof- 
ulous type; Third, the tuberculous type. 

" By the healthy type," he says, "I mean 
an evenly balanced head, having the proper 
heighth, width and depth. 

In the healthy or normal type, if a line be 
carried down the temporal region, resting on 
the upper part of the head and the zygomatic 
arch, it will be found nearly perpendicular. In 
the scrofulous type, owing to a prominence of 
the zygomatic arch, frequently a sign of latent 
scrofula, the line will be found to diverge out- 
wards ; whereas, in the tuberculous type, owing 
to the prominence of the upper part of the head 
and the relatively deficient development of the 
zygomatic arch, the line will fall inward, form- 
ing the so-called "inverted pyramidal type." 
This is strongly indicative of a constitutional 
tendency to the formation of tubercle. 



126 Seymours Key to Character, 

Time will not permit me to enter into the 
subject of scrofulosis and of tuberculosis, 
though intimately connected with my sub- 
ject, and must therefore content myself with 
merely pointing out their cranial characteristics, 
although these different types are rarely met 
with in their most perfect forms ; still, it will 
be found that every head will fall more or less 
into one or the other. And, moreover, just as 
the individual improves in health, so the dis- 
eased characteristics will disappear and his 
head will approach the healthy type. 

I am not prepared to give you anatomical 
or physiological reasons for certain regions of 
the head denoting certain conditions in other 
organs. All I can say, is that they do denote 
such conditions, as may be easily verified, and 
those who are willing to accept of these indi- 
cations will find them very useful in the treat- 
ment of acute and more particularly chronic 
diseases. 

The region of the head that denotes the 
condition of the lungs is situated over the 
frontal sinus. On examination, you will find a 
very great difference in the appearance of this 
part of the head in different persons. In some 
you will find it full and prominent, and where 



Seymours Key to Character, 127 

this is the case there will be a tendency to 
congestion of the lungs, with danger of hem- 
orrhage. 

In youth this may usually be guarded 
against by refraining from violent exertion ; 
and as congestion of any organ, if properly 
controlled, has a tendency to increase the size 
of the organ, in a few years this natural ten- 
dency may result in a large and powerful chest. 
Where the frontal region is abnormally flat, 
that is, without either elevation or depression, 
the lungs will be found weak and predisposed 
to disease, and if this condition is connected 
with the "inverted pyramidal" or tuberculous 
type, there will be a strong predisposition to 
tubercular deposit in the lungs. In another 
class you will notice a prominence of the eye- 
brows and a more or less deep indentation 
between them. The deeper this indentation 
the stronger the lungs, and when with this 
you find two deep, perpendicular furrows, you 
have the strongest and healthiest condition of 
lung. 

Every physician has noticed cases of 
phthisis that seem to baffle all prognosis. 
There will be all the symptoms of galloping 
consumption, such as haemoptysis, followed by 



128 Seymours Key to Character, 

purulent expectoration, hectic fever and night- 
sweats, emaciation, etc., and yet, after a time, 
will rally, the dangerous symptoms gradually 
disappearing till health seems restored. A 
year or two later a fresh cold may produce a 
return of all the symptoms, to be again fol- 
lowed by comparative health, showing that 
there must be a large amount of recuperative 
latent power somewhere. Such cases you will 
find marked by a deep hollow between the 
eyebrows over the frontal sinus. 

This would seem to denote a certain 
recuperative power in the substance of the 
lung tissue itself, that enables us to withstand 
the encroachments of disease, and though 
vomica after vomica may form, the remaining 
portion of the lung remains, Jor a time, unaf- 
fected. I need hardly state that such cases 
are the most amenable to treatment. 

The region that corresponds with the 
stomach and assimilative organs is situated on 
each side of the head, just above the zygomatic 
arch, the temporal region. You will notice 
that while some are full in this region others 
are flat and still others are deeply indented, as 
if from an atrophied condition of the temporal 
muscles. Here you may make a very just 



Seymours Key to Character. 129 

estimate of the power of assimilation that an 
individual possesses by the elevation or depres- 
sion met with ; for the deeper the depression, 
the weaker the assimilative power. In the 
dyspeptic this will be most apparent ; and just 
in proportion as he improves, the region will 
be found to fill out. 

The region connected with the heart and 
circulation is on each side of the head, imme- 
diately above the ears. It is the seat of what 
the phrenologists call the organ of destructive- 
ness. The wider the head at this part, the 
more activity the individual will display, and 
hence the organ is more appropriately called 
the organ of executiveness. The more promi- 
nent the part, the more powerful the heart and 
circulation. If very large, there will be a ten- 
dency to congestion to some weaker organ, 
and later in life to appoplexy ; but if, on the 
other hand, the part be flat or depressed, pov- 
erty of circulation with its attendant evils, such 
as cold extremeties, etc., will be found present. 

The fourth and last region to which I would 
direct your attention is the cerebellum, which, 
as most of you already know, is intimately 
connected with the sexual system. When it is 
large and full, it denotes vigor of manhood, 



130 Seymour s Key to Character. 

and may be compared to the boiler that sup- 
plies the power of the engine. If very large, 
it is apt to lead to intemperance and abuse of 
the sexual organs, the results of which are so 
frequently met with in daily practice. Where 
it is small, there will be a deficiency of so-called 
"staying power", an aptness to be easily tired 
after slight exercise. It is among the victims 
of self-abuse that this wasting-away of this 
part is most apparent, and if the baneful habit 
be abandoned before organized injury has been 
inflicted upon the system, under proper medical 
treatment, assisted by a judicious use of gym- 
nastics, the parts will soon show signs of filling 
out again. 

I have said nothing about the manner in 
which one organ may be, to a certain extent, 
supplemented by strength in another, as this 
would have carried me far beyond the time 
allotted to our essay; but should the subject 
be found sufficiently attractive to you, I shall 
be happy to return to it at some future period, 

[The above essay was delivered before the Canadian 
Medical Institute in Toronto, Ont.] 



HERLiTH 



To improve the health we must be gov- 
erned by conditions. We should first ascertain 
the cause of its being impaired and then we 
may determine a course to be pursued to 
restore or improve it. If the digestion is 
weak, then care should be taken in the study 
of the diet. We should try to observe what 
class of food will best agree with our digestion ; 
whether we can digest acid fruits, or whether 
acids will upset our stomach ; whether we can 
best eat beef, mutton, pork, butter, or which 
of these affects us most. I hold that no per- 
son can lay down a form of diet that will abso- 
lutely serve for humanity in general, and, that 
according to the variety of our physical consti- 
tutions, all individuals must study their own 
natures, their own stomachs should be a law 
unto themselves as to what may be chewed or 
eschewed ; for it frequently occurs that a person 
who cannot eat and digest beef has the power 
to digest and assimilate pork, whilst another 
can digest beef, but cannot eat pork. Some 
persons can assimilate and even find a craving 



132 Seymours Key to Character. 

for acids, while others cannot venture to eat 
fruits of any kind. 

If the lungs are weak, or there is a lack 
of breathing power and consequent circulation, 
then care should be taken to improve the lungs. 
This may be done by outdoor exercises. Have 
your rooms well ventilated and drink plenty of 
cold water instead of tea and coffee. When 
undressed, stand upright, with your shoulders 
thrown backwards, place the fingers of both 
hands upon the centre of the chest, rub out- 
wards toward the side for two or three minutes, 
at the same time breathing deep, after which 
take a good drink of cold water and go to bed. 
We may have but little fear of consumption, 
where such a course is practiced. The fore- 
going course of treatment will help to expand 
the lungs, and the oxygen taken in by the 
extra breathing and the free use of cold water 
will help the circulation, and the general health 
may thus be improved. 



(MSSIFICflTIOH OF TEJVIPEBA]VIEHTS. 



The Temperaments are classified into what 
are termed the Motive, Mental and Vital. 



MOTIVE TEMPERAMENT. 



The Motive implies strength, large bones, 
dense muscles, and compactness of fibre or 
tissue. 



VITAL TEMPERAMENT. 



The Vital Temperament implies health, a 
good digestion, good circulation, and as a con- 
sequence a well-rounded form or body. 



MENTAL TEMPERAMENT. 



The Mental Temperament implies acute- 
ness, a delicately organized constitution, small 
bones and muscles ; one having a nervous, 
sensitive, active nature. 



134 Seymour s Key to Character. 



COJVLBIFiflTIOH OF TJ4E TEJVrPE^AJVrE^TS. 



In combining the Temperaments we have 
what may be termed the Mental- Motive, the 
Motive- Mental, the Mental- Vital and the Vital- 
Mental \ also the Motive -Vital and the Vital- 
Motive. 




FIG- 33. Daniel Curry, d.d., ll.d. Mental- Motive. 



MENTAL-MOTIVE. 



By the Mental-Motive we mean a person 
in whom the Mental Temperament predomi- 
nates over the Motive, and the Motive over 



Seymour s Key to Character. 135 

the Vital ; that is to say, one in whom the Men- 
tal Temperament is the highest, the Motive next 
and the Vital the most deficient. 

Persons in whom the Mental-Motive Tem- 
perament predominates, usually manifest great 
mental power, breadth and depth of thought, 
with a good degree of executive ability. Per- 
sons of this combination are usually fond of 
science and philosophy, subjects which have 
some solid basis, and they rarely indulge in 
anything of a sensational or sentimental nature. 
It is to this class of men and women that the 
world is largely indebted for the advancement 
•of our boasted systems of science and civiliza- 
tion ; men and women who are ever found to 
•be leaders of society where depth of thought 
and practical effort is required. 

MOTIVE-MENTAL. 

By the Motive-Mental we mean a person 
in whom the Motive Temperament is the high- 
est, the Mental next and the Vital last. 

Persons in whom the Motive-Mental com- 
bines are usually very active. They have great 
ambition to stand at the head of the class in 
anything and everything they undertake, and 



136 Seymour s Key to Character. 

are seldom satisfied unless they can hold at 
leading position in society. They are often 
noted for their keen perceptions and practical 
observations. Some of the greatest (although 




J G. Blaine. Motive-Mental. 



not most profound) men that this world has 
ever known, have been men of this combina- 
tion. They are usually known as warriors, 
explorers, navigators, or politicians ; we rarely 
find such combinations among the philosophers 
and scientists. 



Seymours Key to Character. 137 



VITAL-MENTAL. 

By the Vital-Mental we mean a person in 
whom the Vital predominates over the Mental, 
and the Mental over the Motive. 

Persons in whom the Vital-Mental com- 
bines usually manifest more ability to plan than 

disposition to exe- 
cute. They are 
shrewd in making 
plans, and often take 
the lead in society 
rather by the cun- 
ningness of their 
devices than by their 
disposition to labor. 
They are fond of 
what may be termed 
a " good time" and 
of jovial company. They are often sanguine 
in nature, witty in their remarks, and disposed 
to take life easy, yet if properly directed will 
often manifest great energy in social improve- 
ments. 

Such persons are emotional, sympathetic, 
and often very impulsive. 




Grover Clevei 



Vital-Mentai 



1 3$ Seymour s Key to Character. 



MENTAL -VITAL. 



By the Mental-Vital we mean a person in 
whom the Mental Temperament is the highest, 
the Vital next, and the Motive last. 




Mrs. Cleveland. Mental -Vital. 



Persons in whom the Mental -Vital pre- 
dominates are usually brilliant in thought, 
artististic in taste, sympathetic and emotional; 
they also manifest great depth of thought and 
power of persuasion. (See Gov. Wm. Mc- 
Kinley, Jr., page 63.) 



Seymours Key to Character. 139 



MOTIVE -VITAL. 



By the Motive-Vital we mean a person in 
whom the Motive is the highest, the Vital next 
.and the Mental last. Persons of this combina- 




otive -Vital. 



tion are noted for their strength and endurance, 
and are better adapted to a mechanical life 
than to science or literature. They are the 
men for the fields and the workshop, often 
manifesting great practical talent, but with 



140 Seymour s Key to Character. 

little taste for literary pursuits where thought- 
fulness and study are required. 

VITAL-MOTIVE. 

By the Vital-Motive we mean one in whom 
the Vital is the highest, the Motive next and 
the Mental Temperament the most deficient. 
Persons of this combination are often disposed 
to take life easy, manifesting but little disposi- 
tion to work or study, and they only bestir 
themselves when they realize that it is greatly 
to their own advantage to act. Persons of 
this class are usually very selfish, caring but 
little for the welfare of their fellowmen, and 
manifesting but little judgment, sense or jus- 
tice. They are extremely emotional, and being 
ignorant are very often superstitious, thus being 
more successfully led and governed through 
fear than reason. (See Palmer, murderer, p. 
123.) 



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